WASHINGTON -- Even after weeks of intense and emotionally charged coverage by the news media, a poll study released today shows that mad cow disease does not even rank among the top two food-related health concerns.
The survey, commissioned by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), examined the public's attitude toward a list of food-related health concerns, and found that "food poisoning" and "foodborne bacteria" -- issues dealing with food storage and preparation -- remain the greatest concerns. "Mad cow disease" ranked just higher than "irradiated meat" and "cloned foods."
Tim Hammonds, president and CEO of FMI, which represents the retail and wholesale food industry, says the poll results "substantiate that Americans inherently trust the safety of the U.S. food supply and realize the risk of contracting mad cow disease is extremely remote. It also supports what large grocery store chains are seeing -- consumers are still eating beef."
In addition, 22 percent of respondents cited the media coverage as being "negatively biased." There is also evidence that this bias may have inadvertently contributed to confusion over how mad cow disease is contracted. When asked what part of the cow becomes infected, less than 29 percent of adults correctly identified the brain, spine or nervous system. Conversely, the majority of Americans (54 percent) either did not know what part becomes infected or provided an incorrect response (such as all cow meat).
Wilson Research Strategies, an opinion research firm headquartered in McLean, Va., conducted two nationwide surveys of 766 adults Dec. 4-8, 2003 and Jan. 5-8, 2004. Both studies have margin or errors of +/-3.6 percent at the 95 percent confidence interval.
Source: Wilson Research Strategies
Stay prepared and protected with Infection Control Today's newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection preventionists.
Reducing Hidden Risks: Why Sharps Injuries Still Go Unreported
July 18th 2025Despite being a well-known occupational hazard, sharps injuries continue to occur in health care facilities and are often underreported, underestimated, and inadequately addressed. A recent interview with sharps safety advocate Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR, a perioperative educational consultant, reveals why change is overdue and what new tools and guidance can help.
New Study Explores Oral Vancomycin to Prevent C difficile Recurrence, But Questions Remain
July 17th 2025A new clinical trial explores the use of low-dose oral vancomycin to prevent Clostridioides difficile recurrence in high-risk patients taking antibiotics. While the data suggest a possible benefit, the findings stop short of statistical significance and raise red flags about vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), underscoring the delicate balance between prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.
CDC Urges Vigilance: New Recommendations for Monitoring and Testing H5N1 Exposures
July 11th 2025With avian influenza A(H5N1) infections surfacing in both animals and humans, the CDC has issued updated guidance calling for aggressive monitoring and targeted testing to contain the virus and protect public health.
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.