BSE remains consumers' first fear

Shoppers seem reassured that foot-and-mouth is an animal only disease

Consumers are more worried about the risk of BSE to food safety than any threat from foot-and-mouth.

A report for the market analysts, Mintel, says BSE remains the chief concern with many more shoppers worried about it than in 1999.

Other chief concerns are salmonella, e-coli and genetically-modified foods.

The foot-and-mouth disease outbreak is in fifth place suggesting that people believe it is only an animal welfare issue.

The disease ranks alongside worries over cancer-risk related foods and pesticides in fruit and vegetables in the survey.

Researchers also questioned adults about whether they had changed their shopping habits, since the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

The findings suggest around 14% - and more women than men - have cut back on their meat consumption, with a further 10% considering reducing it in the future.

Almost two thirds of those questioned, however, have no plans to reduce the amount of meat they eat.

Only 2% admitted planning to stock up the freezer - with the majority sticking to the advice not to panic buy.