According to results from the Grocery Manufacturers Association’s 2010 Health and Wellness survey, healthy foods are on the rise. Survey results show that, in response to consumer demand for healthier products, “food and beverage companies eliminated or reduced trans fat in more than 10,000 products, eliminated or reduced saturated fat in more than 6,600 products…”

Conducted prior to the food industry’s most recent egg scare, the report Food Safety Certification: A Study of Food Safety in the U.S. Supply Chain by DNV Business Assurance finds that food safety concerns can significantly influence the shopping behaviors of consumers and the business practices of food manufacturers, retailers, and distributors. In the survey of more than 400 consumers and 73 food companies, almost half of respondents said they changed shopping patterns because of food safety issues.

The modern history of Meatless Monday as a public health campaign has taken the meat-reducing agenda to new heights. Now an international health movement to encourage consumers to go one meat-free day per week for better health and a better environment, Meatless Monday is making in-roads onto dining tables everywhere… in schools, restaurants, and in homes.

Earth Day 2010 marks the 40th anniversary of the event that today is recognized across 175 countries around the world and by over 500 million people. Originally the idea of Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1969, the initial goal was to educate children and the environment. Now held on April 22nd, after the first recognized Earth Day in 1970, this day represents a time when many people think about living in a healthier and more sustainable way.

While survey after survey shows growing consumer interest and demand in vegetarian food options, you don’t need to be a market researcher to know that “veg” is in. In fact, all you need to do is scan through the most recent headlines to see for yourself how vegetarianism and veganism are becoming an intrinsic part of the American lifestyle.