Four out of five Americans aged 18 or older (79 percent) believe products made in the United States are safer than products made in other countries, and 76 percent believe American-made products represent better quality, according to a survey by the Consumer Practice Group of Worldcom Public Relations Group (New York), a network of independently owned public relations counseling firms.

 “This year has seen a number of high-profile product recalls impacting everything from pet food to children’s toys, and it is important for manufacturers and retailers to understand how this may have impacted the beliefs and buying behaviors of the American public,” said Brian Bloom, chairman of the Consumer Practice Group and vice president of Cleveland-based public relations firm Liggett Stashower. “This high level of consumer confidence in American-made products could prove to be very beneficial for domestic businesses.”

Despite this newfound preference for American-made goods, about eight out of 10 people (82 percent) felt that the recalls would not stop Americans from buying foreign-made products.

Thirty-nine percent believe the U.S. government should regulate the safety of products brought into the country, while 33 percent said the onus should fall on manufacturers. [February 2008 PET AGE]