MORE THAN half of consumers on the island of Ireland feel reluctant to speak out if they are unhappy with hygiene standards when they are eating out, new research has shown.
The safefood organisation released details of the research yesterday when it launched a public awareness campaign urging diners to “speak out”.
Its own research showed that not only do 53 per cent feel reluctant to speak out, but 62 per cent of consumers will not return to the food establishment if they find poor hygiene standards.
The research drawn from safefood focus groups and IMS Millward Brown research from September this year found consumers will most certainly tell others of their bad experiences.
“Consumers are reluctant to speak out for a variety of reasons and our research reveals that a lack of confidence, concerns about how staff will react, and whether speaking out will even improve the situation are all real issues for consumers,” said Martin Higgins, chief executive of safefood.
“We would encourage consumers not just to think it, but to say it, as good businesses will welcome feedback from their customers and respond appropriately,” he said.
“With four out of five adults eating out in restaurants, consumers can play a significant role in helping to raise and maintain hygiene standards by speaking out,” he said.
“By knowing when customers have concerns about hygiene, restaurants can improve their business, and if the issue is handled well customers will not only be likely to come back, but will also tell others of their good experience,” Mr Higgins added.
He expressed concern at the sustained level of closure orders served on food businesses since February last at the launch of the campaign.
The public awareness drive will see a two-week radio and advertising campaign across the island of Ireland.