Susan Backus
Susan Backus is Vice President of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs at the Meat Institute (North American Meat Institute) in Washington, DC, overseeing nutrition, health, and international affairs.
1
APPEARANCES
1
PODCASTS
Sep 3, 2026
Chrissy WozniakHOST
But so what are people actually buying? And are there places where consumer attitudes and purchasing behavior just don't necessarily match?
Susan BackusGUEST
I would say there is a lot of discussion on the policy side and in the media about ultra-processed foods and food processing and how it is a significant concern for consumers.
Susan BackusGUEST
The International Food Information Council does an annual food and health survey, and they have such wonderful information there about consumer purchasing preferences and what they're looking at.
Susan BackusGUEST
And their most recent survey said that consumers are focused on processing information.
12 MINS LATER
Chrissy WozniakHOST
Where does affordability fit into the conversation? Consumers may have goals, nutritional goals, preferences, but they're also making decisions based on their budget.