17/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - Chemical contamination is most feared. Of all the potential risks related to food, EU consumers put chemical contamination at the top of the list, ahead of residues, bacterial contamination or sanitary and nutritional issues. This was revealed by the Eurobarometer survey published on 17 November on perceptions of food risks. Pesticides in fruit, vegetables and cereals constitute a major concern in 12 member states (Greece, Lithuania, Italy, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Hungary, France, Malta, Slovenia, Germany, Belgium and Austria). The survey also reveals that 58% of respondents associate food with eating for pleasure. Fewer than half of them (44%) raised concerns such as finding affordable prices and satisfying their hunger, and 37% expressed concerns at the safety of foods or nutritional issues, such as verifying numbers of calories and nutrients (23%). (A.N./transl.fl)