Ananova:

Researchers have found consumers in the UK are more worried about the standards of hygiene in food processing factories than on farms.

A survey carried out by the Consumers' Association has concluded concerns also centre on the safety of ready meals as well as tinned and processed foods.

The Association claims that bacteria which cause food poisoning can strike at any stage of the food chain, but that consumer confidence has been found to be lowest where food processors are concerned.

Almost half of around 1,000 people surveyed say they are worried about the standards of hygiene in processing plants compared with 31% who say they have concerns about the safety of food from farms.

Hygiene in the home has caused the least concern with less than one in five people identifying it as a potential trouble spot, while standards in abattoirs and catering firms are a worry for two in five.

The association says that respondents, who were asked to put aside highly publicised health scares such as BSE when responding, seem most worried about those areas of the food chain associated with high levels of handling.

The survey also reveals widespread support for the mandatory licensing and inspection of all food premises, including retailers, processors and caterers, which is currently not a legal requirement.

Consumers' Association director Sheila Mckechnie said: "There is clearly public concern about food hygiene and the regulation of premises where food is being prepared.

"In fact, there is very little recent scientific evidence that quantifies where in the food chain dangerous contamination is likely to happen. This would help consumers to be more focused on what steps they need to take to protect themselves.

"Consumers believe strongly in the need for licensing of food premises. They can't tell what food is poisonous and realise that some form of supervision is required."