Seventy-seven percent (77%) of adult Americans are at least somewhat confident that their grocery food is safe, but only 27% are Very Confident. Men and Republicans are more confident than women and Democrats.

According to a recent Rasmussen Reports national survey, 77% are also at least somewhat confident in the safety of food bought at farmer's markets. Just 34% are Very Confident, although such markets offer locally grown rather than imported food.

The safety of the food supply has been of greater concern to the public and policymakers at least since 9/11. Recent news of widespread incidents of poisoned dog food, traced to ingredients shipped from China, has drawn renewed attention to the problem of how best to oversee imported food.

Only 28% believe that food imports to this country can be adequately inspected before reaching the grocery shelf. Fifty-on percent (51%) disagree.

Overall, respondents respond similarly when asked whether the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can protect the U.S. food supply, with 28% saying Yes, 49% No. But men are more optimistic than women, and Republicans more optimistic than Democrats, when the question is framed this way.

Sixty percent (60%) report a favorable view of the FDA, 36% an unfavorable one. Only 12% view the agency Very favorably, the same proportion who view it Very Unfavorably.

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