Central Coast consumers want more food-related information, from safety to ethics

Information is lacking on what con- sumers want to know about food production, processing, transporta- tion and retailing. Focus groups and a random-sample mail survey of con- sumers in the Central Coast region in- dicate that food safety and nutrition generate the most interest. However, ethical concerns such as the humane treatment of animals, the environ- mental impacts of food production and social justice for farmworkers also have strong support. The results suggest that voluntary food labels on these issues may be a promising way to meet consumer needs for more information.