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BfR Consumer Monitor
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June 2015
Introduction
The question as to how important topics from the field of con-
sumer health protection are perceived by the general public is
of paramount importance for the work of the BfR. One particu-
lar question that is raised is if and to what extent the estima-
tion of the general public deviates from the scientific estimation
of health risks. As a representative consumer survey, the BfR
Consumer Monitor provides some important insights into this at
6-month intervals.
Generally speaking, consumers have regarded smoking, climate
and environmental damage and alcohol as the greatest health
risks for consumers in the first half of 2015. As in 2014, big dif-
ferences have been established where awareness of health and
consumer topics is concerned. Whereas more than half of the
respondents were aware of plant protection products in fruit
and vegetables, as well as mineral oil in body care products or
microplastic in food, only a comparatively small number of re-
spondents had heard about arsenic in rice. Least well known
is the name glyphosate for a plant protection product which is
currently the focus of media attention. Consumers are still con-
cerned above all about antimicrobial resistance, thereby shar-
ing the scientific estimation of this problem. Ultimately, a large
majority of respondents considers food in Germany to be safe
despite all of the reports about increasing uncertainty among
consumers.
If you would like to find out more about the individual topics, you
will find links to more detailed information at the BfR website on
the last page of this booklet.
