One million Scots buying food on social media including Facebook Marketplace

Around one million Scots are buying foodstuffs on social media, according to the food safety watchdog.

A Food Standards Scotland (FSS) report on the growing trend found approximately 21% of Scots are estimated to have bought items while scrolling.

Facebook Marketplace was found to be the most popular platform during the research that focused on ready-to-eat food sold through the app.

Bakery and confectionery items account for almost two-thirds of the foods sold.

Advertising for composite products – including things like afternoon teas or buffets – made up around one-fifth of listings.

Approximately 12% of foods sold were take-away meals collected or delivered hot.

Items described as “high-risk” such as sushi and cured meats accounted for just over 1% of listings.

However, FSS said it found that advertising did not include ingredient or allergen lists in many cases, highlighting the importance of “communication between buyers and sellers to make informed choices”.

Dr Karen Pearson, senior scientific advisor at Food Standards Scotland, said: “Social media platforms are transforming how people buy food, and this research has provided a baseline to help us understand the variety and scale of this method of selling in Scotland.

“This convenience, however, might come with risks and it is essential that both buyers and sellers understand the nature of these types of foods so they can make informed choices.

“Sellers may not have the knowledge to produce safe food, particularly if they are producing higher risk foods.”