Worried about the safety of our food? You’re not alone. A recent survey of consumer trends, conducted by Mintel, a global market research firm, indicates food safety is a growing concern among Americans.

According to the survey, six out of 10 Americans are concerned about the safety of their food. But don’t clear out your refrigerator just yet. Despite the recalls we’ve seen in the headlines, the United States enjoys some of the safest food in the world.

For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a summary of statistics for foodborne outbreaks. According to the data, in 2007, nearly 1,100 incidents of foodborne outbreaks were reported to the CDC, affecting less than 22,000 individuals. Our stats don’t look so bad when compared to a report released by the European Food Safety Authority. In 2007, more than 5,600 cases of foodborne outbreaks were reported to the European Union’s food safety agency. These outbreaks sickened nearly 40,000 people.

Food safety authorities in the U.S. have worked quickly to minimize the impact harmful contaminants can make on our food supply. For example, remember the melamine crisis, when the powder was found in candy, milk products, cookies and pet food? Melamine is the chemical responsible for sickening more than 50,000 infants in China, causing four deaths. Traces of the chemical were found in products in the United States, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with state and local public health authorities, worked quickly to inform consumers by issuing warnings, recalls and import alerts. As a result of the FDA’s efforts, no deaths caused by melamine sickness were reported to the CDC.

But this doesn’t mean we should kick back and relax when it comes to our food safety efforts. In fact, food safety is a top priority of the Obama Administration. In March, the administration created a working group to address foodborne outbreaks and discuss possible solutions. These recommendations provided the framework for the Food Safety Enhancement Act, which already passed in the House of Representatives and will be heard in front of the Senate this fall.

Additionally, the FDA recently launched a new initiative to increase the timeliness in which foodborne diseases are reported. The Reportable Food Registry (RFR) requires manufacturers and processors to notify the FDA within 24 hours if they believe one of their products could cause illness or death.

Mintel’s consumer attitudes survey also indicates that, because of economic conditions, eight out of 10 Americans are cooking more meals at home now, as opposed to eating out. By following food preparation guidelines from agencies like the Food Safety Inspection Service, we can minimize the spread of harmful bacteria from invading our home-cooked dinners. Always remember to keep your hands, kitchen surfaces and utensils clean – this reduces the risk of cross contamination, and make sure foods are cooked, and stored, at proper temperatures.