People interviewed by the market analysts Mintel said they wanted clearer labelling listing all ingredients, additives or "e" numbers and more information relating to allergies.

Five years ago 41% of adults questioned in a similar survey said they were concerned. This figure has risen to 44%.

Pesticides were causing most concern, closely followed by genetically-modified (GM) food and bugs, including salmonella and e-coli, the survey suggested.

People are worried about e-coli poisoning

But people are less concerned about bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), so-called mad cow disease, than in 1997.

The study also indicates a demand for clearer labelling of ingredients and guidelines for storage and preparation.

People want additives and "e" numbers, flagged up and more information about allergies.

But the survey suggests the Food Standards Agency is having a greater impact.

More people trust government advice on food safety than they did five years ago.

Although nearly a third of consumers say they remain sceptical.