The citizens of Cyprus appear to be particularly aware of issues related to food safety, according to the results of the Special Eurobarometer 103.3, conducted in Spring 2025 by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in all Member States of the European Union between March-April 2025.
According to the findings, 95% of Cypriots say they are interested in food safety, far exceeding the EU average (72%). Food safety is also one of the key factors influencing their purchasing decisions, with 67% ranking it as one of the most important priorities compared to 46% in the EU (with cost leading the way at 74% compared to 60% in the EU). At the same time, 39% of Cypriots believe they know enough to avoid or mitigate food risks, compared to 30% in the EU, while 34% take it for granted that the food sold is safe, compared to 41% of the European average. Concerns and informing citizens
Cypriot consumers are at the top of the list of respondents concerned about the presence of chemicals that contaminate food, at a rate of 47% compared to 28% in the EU. They also appear on issues such as: pesticide residues (66% have heard of them compared to 67% in the EU, 49% and 39% in the EU are concerned about them), food poisoning through food and drink contaminated by bacteria, viruses and parasites (57% and 62% of the EU have heard of them, 41% and 32% of the EU are concerned), diseases found in animals, e.g. affecting animals or humans (57% and 65% of the EU have heard of them, 44% and 30% of the EU are concerned about them), additives such as colourings, preservatives or flavourings used in food or drink (56% and 71% of the EU have heard of them); 42% and 35% of the EU), microplastics in food (48% and 63% of the EU have heard of them, 25% and 33% of the EU are concerned) and antibiotic and hormone residues in meat (42% and 64% in the EU have heard of them, 29% and 36% of the EU are concerned).
In terms of informing Cypriots, this comes mainly from television (56% and 55% in the EU), and equally from online social media and video hosting sites (56% and 26% in the EU), conversations with relatives, friends and colleagues (44% and 42% in the EU), internet search (26% and 38% in the EU), and on the websites of Public Authorities (21% and 18% in the EU). The most reliable sources of information are scientists from universities or public research organisations (85% and 84% in the EU), doctors (83% and 90% in the EU), consumer organisations (78% and 82% in the EU), scientists working in an industrial or private research organisation (73% and 66% in the EU) and EU institutions (70% and 69% in the EU).
Behaviours and reactions to risks
In the event of a foodborne illness, 78% of Cypriots say they would change the way food is prepared or consumed (compared to 77% in the EU). This rate is particularly high in the 25–39 age group (86% vs. 80% in the EU) and 40–54 years (82% vs. 79% in the EU), while women are slightly more sensitive than men.
