British residents are less worried about food safety than other European countries, research has suggested.

UK residents are more concerned about the consequences of the economic crisis than learning what foods could potentially affect their health, according to research from the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

FSA conducted a food safety survey of roughly 27,000 European consumers. In this survey, it was revealed that just 29 per cent of UK respondents believed that food could damage their health, compared to 48 per cent of other nations.

Andrew Wadge, chief scientist at the FSA, said: "I think we're right not to worry unnecessarily about food safety threats as there are lots of checks in place to keep food safe."

This news comes after Baby Lifeline claimed that pregnant women need a completely varied diet to assist the development of their babies.

Judy Ledger, chief executive of Baby Lifeline, claimed that parents should "eat sensibly" and include fruits and vegetables within their meals, as opposed to following structured diet programs.