A Steady Escalation in Consumer Reports (Image Credits: Pexels)
Belgium – The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) fielded a record 6,268 consumer complaints about food safety in 2025. This figure marked a 20 percent increase from the previous year’s total of 5,222 reports. Averaging 25 complaints per working day, the surge underscored food safety as a pressing public issue.[1][2]
A Steady Escalation in Consumer Reports
Complaints to the FASFC contact point climbed consistently over recent years. The agency recorded 4,865 reports in 2023, followed by the then-record 5,222 in 2024.[1] That earlier rise averaged 21 complaints per working day and already highlighted growing awareness among consumers.
The progression reflected broader trends in public engagement with food oversight. Inspectors prioritized these signals, turning many into on-site investigations. Such input proved vital for spotting risks that routine checks might miss.
| Year | Complaints | Daily Average (per working day) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4,865 | N/A |
| 2024 | 5,222 | 21 |
| 2025 | 6,268 | 25 |
Hygiene and Health Risks Dominate Concerns
Consumers most frequently flagged hygiene issues in food businesses, accounting for 31 percent of 2025 complaints. Reports often described unclean facilities, poor staff practices or pest sightings.[2] Storage problems, like incorrect temperatures or expired use-by dates, made up 18 percent of cases.
Suspected foodborne illnesses ranked second at 25 percent. People detailed symptoms after meals and sometimes submitted photos or samples. One notable report involved diners spotting a cat and mouse in a restaurant, with staff acknowledging a pest issue.[2]
- Hygiene in establishments: 31 percent
- Suspected illness from food: 25 percent
- Improper storage methods: 18 percent
- Other categories, including labeling and quality: remaining share
FASFC Investigations Yield Concrete Actions
The agency treated every complaint seriously, dispatching inspectors for verification. Over half prompted measures, with half confirming the reported problems exactly. An additional 5 percent uncovered further violations during checks.[2]
Spokesperson Hélène Bonte emphasized the value of these reports. “We carry out a great many inspections but cannot be everywhere,” she said. “We take every complaint seriously and will investigate it.”[2] While mailed food samples often arrived unusable, inspectors preferred collecting fresh leftovers for lab analysis.
Unclear Drivers Behind the Rise
No single major incident explained the 2025 uptick. Bonte noted, “We don’t have a clear-cut reason for this rise… Nor was there a single major food incident in 2025.”[2] Instead, heightened consumer focus on food safety appeared key.
“Food safety is becoming increasingly important to consumers,” Bonte added. “We suspect that… they are also turning to us more often to lodge complaints.”[2] Similar patterns emerged in 2024, when hygiene claims hit 30 percent and illness suspicions 27 percent, with over half leading to follow-ups.[3]
Key Takeaways
- Complaints rose 20 percent to 6,268 in 2025, averaging 25 daily.
- Hygiene topped concerns at 31 percent, followed by illness reports.
- Over half of investigations confirmed issues and spurred agency action.
These record numbers point to empowered consumers playing a frontline role in safeguarding the food chain. As vigilance grows, the FASFC’s responsive approach ensures potential hazards receive swift attention. What do you think about these trends? Tell us in the comments.
