The purpose of the work was to define the level of awareness of Polish consumers on the existing and potential threats associated with food. Two polls titled “The level of consumer awareness in the scope of food-related risks” were conducted in the years 2003 and 2005. Analysis of the collected data indicates that Polish consumers were aware of the occurrence of certain threats in the food chain, especially associated with the use of bone meal in animal feeds and the use of chemical plant protection agents. So perceived risks were reflected in opinions expressed by respondents on the perceived risk from consuming foods associated among others with the presence of additives and residues of chemical plant protection agents. On the other hand, the respondents were only marginally afraid of bioterrorist attacks in relation to foods. The survey results show the need to improve communication strategies to raise the awareness of Polish consumers in the scope of potential sources of food-related risks and specific production and distribution stages.