To eat or not to eat? The case of genetically modified (GM) food

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 647-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Vlontzos ◽  
Marrie Noelle Duquenne
Keyword(s):  
Genetically Modified Organisms ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Food Selection ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Consumer Decision Making ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gm Food ◽  
Gm Foods

Purpose Since the moment genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and genetically modified (GM) foods first came into the market, there has been a continuous debate between those who are supporters and opponents of them. This paper aims to identify the rationale of acceptance or denial of GM foods into the market. Design/methodology/approach The Health Belief Model (HBM) successfully elucidates the consumer decision-making process for food selection. The questionnaire for this field of research consists of three parts. The first part refers to socioeconomic information, like sex, monthly income and educational level. The second part contains questions derived from the HBM. Interviewees had to use a 1-5 Likert scale for their answers, with 1 representing Total Denial, 3 for Neutral and 5 for Total Agreement. Finally, the third part consists of one question about the willingness to pay for GM foods or not. Findings There are significant differences between Greek consumers and consumers from other European countries – the most important one being their focus on food safety and nutritional issues – with their importance not being reduced by possible pricing discounts. Increase in the market share of GM food can occur only if special focus will be given in the implementation of promotion strategies verifying about the safety of use and increased nutritional value of them, having as a second priority, the implementation of an aggressive pricing policy towards non-GM foods. Originality/value This is an original field research, identifying the rationale of the food selection in the Greek market towards GM foods.

scholarly journals Consumer perception and preference towards genetically modified (GM) foods: bibliometric evidence and policy imperatives.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Sendhil ◽  
Joan Nyika ◽  
Sheel Yadav ◽  
Joby Mackolil ◽  
Prashat G. Rama Prashat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetically Modified Organisms ◽  
Food System ◽  
Research Output ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Crop Improvement ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Consumer Perception ◽  
Gm Food ◽  
Gm Foods

Abstract Background: Genetically modified (GM) foods could be a promising option to reduce the dependence of the agri-food system on conventional means of crop improvement. However, the safety of GM food remains a concern, in addition to the perceived and real risks to environment. The opinion about scientific evidence among researchers, policymakers and government regulators on promotion of GM foods for consumers differ. This study presents the trends emerging from research outputs on consumer perception and preference for GM foods and policy prescriptions for enabling the consumption. Scope and Approach: The study mainly focused on (1) exploring the publication trends, geographic focus of research and a comprehensive review on the consumers' perception of and preference to GM foods, (2) identifying research hotspots and emerging genetically modified organisms (GMO) research themes, (3) assessing the integrated nature of GMO research, and (4) suggesting policy prescriptions on challenges and way forward. Bibliometric analyses have been performed using the Web of Science (WOS) database sourcing literature from 1981 to 2021 and analyzed the final sample of 543 publications using BibExcel and VOSviewer visualization software tools. The search strategy utilized the topic basis search of phrases related to GM food preference and perception. Key Findings and Conclusions: The search query retrieving 543 journal articles showed an increasing trend in publications on consumer's response towards GM foods. Thematic analysis revealed a strong interlinkage of GMOs research with 'agriculture' and 'food science technology'. Consumers' positive response is largely influenced by the decision of the governments to ban or approve the GM crops cultivation. Similarly, the public support increases when the potential benefits of the technology are well articulated, consumption increases with a price discount, people's trust on the government and belief in science increases with a positive influence by the media. Mapping of the retrieved articles showed the top four recurrent keywords: GMOs, biotechnology, attitudes and acceptance. Europe and the USA are the first region and country, respectively, in terms of the number of active institutions per research output, per capita GDP publication and citations per article. The National Natural Science Foundation of China, followed by the National University of Malaysia are the top fundraisers for research on GM food consumption, perceptions and attitudes. Although research outputs on GM food consumer's acceptance and preferences are increasing, a majority of publications came from developed nations. Thus, intensive research is yet to be carried out in developing countries to produce a genetically modified food product with superior properties and substantial equivalence with no significant side-effects. We suggest research-, agri-food industries-, and society-oriented policies needed to be implemented by the stakeholders to ensure the safety of GM food products, encourage consumer-based studies, and increase public awareness towards these food products.

Deforming mirrors converting GMOs into smog

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 620-627
Author(s):  
Roberto Defez
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Genetically Modified Organisms ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Environmental Damage ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gm Food ◽  
Gm Plants ◽  
The Eu

Purpose The debate around the use and study of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is so complex that frequently people miss that the outcome of some political/social/economic decisions are taken in such a way that the legal/agricultural/medical coherence is lost. The purpose of this text is to underline the contradictions in the European approach to GMOs, when for the past 20 years the European Union (EU) has been using and importing GMOs but rejecting its study or cultivation. Design/methodology/approach The approach follows the distance among public declarations against GMOs from most of the political representatives, followed by decision on our health, nutrition and economic development going exactly in the opposite direction. The arrival of the new genome-edited plants cannot solve all requirements, as in many cases an entire new function should be added and, at present, this will be again a GMO irrespective to the technique used to add a new gene. The delay in taking these decisions are now posing a hazard on the cultural and economic development of the EU. Findings The laws (directives) on GMOs in the EU are far too restrictive and suffer from an over-regulation that prevent any attempt to come to a science-based approach on genetically modified (GM) plants. The basis for the definition and the restrictions is on the technology and not on the final product. However, on the other hand, the GMOs are the only product where the safety analysis is on the final product (which is not the case for organics productions). The paradox is that all restrictions are concentrated on GM plants to be cultivated in Europe, as if the main hazard would be on the environmental impact of local cultivation. Meanwhile, the EU has no concern if the same environmental damage happens abroad and EU is the final user of the technology as 68 different GMOs are imported and used even for human consumption in Europe. Originality/value Fighting against the EU over-regulation would appear to be a position supporting multinational seed companies (none of them based in the EU), described as polluters. The proposed approach is the opposite, asking for a more restrictive regulation to show to the consumers that: most local EU high quality food products are derived from GM-fed animals; GM cotton is potentially far more risky than any GM food; and reducing GM plants cultivated in Europe increases the pesticide sold by chemical companies (mostly based in the EU).

A structural equation model for the analysis of genetically modified foods consumption

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 706-716 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pasquale Sarnacchiaro ◽  
Roberta Di Gennaro ◽  
Raffaela Palma
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Structural Equation Model ◽  
Food Consumption ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gm Food ◽  
Gm Foods ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The spread of genetically modified (GM) foodstuffs is related to consumer scepticism in Europe, and particularly in Italy. Consumer scepticism in turn depends on the low level of public knowledge about the health consequences, in terms of risks and benefits, of consuming these GM foods. This paper aims, first and foremost, to investigate the phenomenon of GM foodstuffs consumption in Italy and, then, to construct a statistical model for analysing the Italian habits regarding this consumption. Furthermore, this model allows us to formalize the origins of behaviour regarding GM foodstuffs consumption and to detect the drivers of their purchase. Design/methodology/approach From January 2009 to May 2009, 1,061 public high school students in 25 randomly selected schools of a metropolitan area (Naples, South Italy) were questioned. More precisely, each student was given a questionnaire regarding, in the first part, school cultural characteristics and, then, awareness and GM food consumption. A Likert scale was used to answer the questions. After collecting data, the authors chose to apply structural equation modelling, as it is one of the general and powerful multivariate analysis technique useful to simultaneously analyse and evaluate multivariate hypotheses. Findings The findings showed that GM food consumption by Italian students depended on the knowledge of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and on the impact of this organisms both on human health and the environment. Therefore, in order to help consumers to choose whether or not to eat GM foods, a standardized evaluation system of human health and environmental consequences produced by GMO and GM foods should be created. In particular, the authors introduced a general framework that could help researchers/users to select and assess a hierarchy of the influence of factors on Italian habits regarding the consumption of GM foodstuffs. Originality/value In this research, the authors propose a structural equation model – full formative measurement model – that allows to define the origins of behaviour towards GM food consumption and to detect the drivers of their purchase. Particularly, the authors showed that GM food consumption depended on the knowledge of GMOs and on the impact of the GMOs on human health and the environment.

Consumers' willingness to adopt genetically modified foods

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Fozouni Ardekani ◽  
Morteza Akbari ◽  
Giovanni Pino ◽  
Miguel Ángel Zúñiga ◽  
Hossein Azadi
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Theory ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Genetically Modified Foods ◽  
Net Benefit ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Behavioral Determinants ◽  
Gm Foods ◽  
Willingness To Adopt

PurposeThis study investigates consumers' willingness to adopt genetically modified foods (GM) and the role of innovation and behavioral determinants.Design/methodology/approachA new integrated model that expands the Health Belief Model (HBM) into the Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) was developed and examined. A total of 241 consumers were selected from the capital of Iran, Tehran, through a multistage random sampling. The data were analyzed using SEM-PLS modeling.FindingsThe extended HBM model was able to predict about 84% of the variance changes in consumers' willingness to adopt GM foods. The effects of net benefit and perceived compatibility on the willingness were also significant. In addition, the mediating effect of compatibility on the relationship between net benefit/self-efficacy and willingness to adopt GM foods was also significant.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by developing the HBM into the IDT to assess consumers' willingness to adopt GM foods.

GMOs and the issue of coexistence in Italy

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 659-671 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Covino
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Genetically Modified Organisms ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gm Foods ◽  
Legislative Framework ◽  
Italian Context ◽  
Traditional Crops

Purpose The aim of this paper is to analyze the use of genetically modified organisms in the agricultural sector, the way in which the issue of transgenic foods is regulated into European Union and the guidelines on coexistence between genetically modified (GM) and traditional crops. Nowadays the modern consumer supports above all the typical and healthy food products. Notwithstanding, there is a broad and complex legislative framework for sustainable and high quality products: the issue of GM foods is at odds with everything. Design/methodology/approach Wide literature review is done to base the discussion of the present viewpoint paper. Findings Thematic analysis revealed that increasing use of biotechnology worldwide opens many opportunities, but also some problems, due to the attitude of consumers toward the naturalness of food. It also revealed that coexistence is possible, but presents many obstacles, despite the positive observations of Italian scientific studies. Originality/value This paper addresses the issue of coexistence between GM and traditional crops in more depth, providing analysis not previously existing above all in the Italian context.

Knowledge and attitudes toward genetically modified (GM) food among health sciences university students in Karachi, Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafat Amin ◽  
Sadaf Khan ◽  
Tehseen Fatima Zeb ◽  
Shaukat Ali ◽  
Neha Baqai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Academic Disciplines ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gm Food ◽  
Gm Foods ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude

Purpose Genetically modified (GM) foods have global importance as they can significantly improve food security challenges. However, risks associated with the consumption of GM foods have affected consumers’ acceptance. This study aims to assess the student’s awareness regarding GM foods. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted to explore the knowledge and attitude of health sciences university students toward GM foods. Students (n = 400) from different academic disciplines were participated in the study. Findings The majority of the university students heard about GM organisms and GM food (67.5% and 60.8%, respectively) and have correctly defined GM foods (48.2%). The mean percentage score of knowledge and attitude toward GM foods among university students was 36.0 ± 29.4% and 29.8 ± 23.1%, respectively. No significant difference was observed in knowledge and attitude between undergraduate and postgraduate students. A significant difference was found toward the acceptability of GM food in students from different health sciences disciplines (p = 0.006). Originality/value The findings indicate that educational programs are needed to improve the knowledge of students about GM food and food safety challenges.

Designing enhanced labeling information to increase consumer willingness to pay for genetically modified foods

2020 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
pp. 405-418
Author(s):  
Jintao Zhan ◽  
Yubei Ma ◽  
Pengcheng Deng ◽  
Yinqiu Li ◽  
Meng Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Food Labeling ◽  
Consumer Group ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gm Food ◽  
Gm Foods

PurposeThe regulations for qualitative genetically modified (GM) food labeling do not effectively eliminate the information asymmetries pertaining to the consumption of GM products. China's GM food labeling law requires the presentation of certain categories of GM products on GMO labels on packages. Such information is invaluable for understanding whether the disclosure of more information on GM foods can help alleviate information asymmetry while reducing consumer fear and risk perceptions of GM foods, and thus cause changes in their behaviors. The purpose of this paper is to explore the heterogeneity of consumer preferences for enhanced GM food labeling, how consumer preferences are influenced by labeling information, and how these preferences vary in different consumers.Design/methodology/approachBoth descriptive statistics and econometric techniques, including the multivariate ordered Probit model, were applied to a sample of 566 urban consumers in the Yangtze River Delta region of China. All respondents were divided into two groups: people who would definitely not buy GM foods before selecting enhanced labeling information (“consumer group 1”, sample size 282) and people who would definitely not object to buying GM foods before selecting enhanced labeling information (“consumer group 2”, sample size 274).FindingsThe findings suggest that urban consumers have a preference for different types of enhanced labeling information about GM foods, that such a preference significantly influences their willingness to pay for GM foods, that there exists a large difference in the preferences of different consumer groups, and that enhanced GM food labeling information has a greater impact on those consumers who would not accept GM foods.Originality/valueThis research identifies the GM information disclosures that most affect consumer preferences and how these preferences vary across different segments of consumers, which is a current gap in the literature. The study has demonstrated that enhanced labels of GM foods with diverse information would not alter a consumer's WTP for GM foods who does not perceive the value of information from the enhanced labels, but change positively consumers with uncertainty willingness to pay before disclosure.

Consumer awareness, perception and attitudes towards genetically modified foods in Turkey

2015 ◽  
Vol 117 (5) ◽  
pp. 1426-1439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mürsel Tas ◽  
Melek Balci ◽  
Alev Yüksel ◽  
Nese Sahin Yesilçubuk
Keyword(s):  
Genetically Modified Organisms ◽  
Food Policy ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Nonparametric Test ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gm Foods ◽  
Food Applications ◽  
Similar Survey ◽  
Willingness To Purchase

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate awareness and perception of GM foods of Turkish consumers living in Istanbul, Turkey. Design/methodology/approach – A consumer survey consisting of 23 questions has been prepared. Totally 1,315 people participated in the survey. Awareness of the consumers about genetically modified organisms, willingness to purchase GM foods, acceptability of GM foods by consumers and legislations and information sources were assessed in the questionnaire. Nonparametric test were applied in order to unravel demographic differences. Findings – The results of the survey showed that consumers generally know what genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are, but they do not have enough information about the genetic modification process. The main concerns of consumers about GMFs are their carcinogenic effects to human. In addition, corn was found to be the most concerned GMF. The usage of GMOs in health sector and in preventing environmental pollution were the most approved areas by the consumers, whereas the majority of consumers disapproved the use of genetic modifications in food applications. Research limitations/implications – A limitation of this study is the sample including high percentage of educated young consumers. Hence, the survey can be improved and applied to higher number of participants living in different regions in Turkey for being more representative for all Turkish consumers. Practical implications – Some suggestions for food producers and food policy makers are also provided in this study. Originality/value – There has been little research concerning Turkish consumers’ attitude and knowledge towards gene technology and GMFs. Also, there has not been a similar survey in the province of Istanbul.

scholarly journals Public Perception on Labeling Genetically Modified (GM) Foods in Ghana: Implications for Food Policy

2020 ◽  
pp. 25-37
Author(s):  
Richard Ampadu-Ameyaw ◽  
Johnny Owusu-Arthur ◽  
Kwame Dei Asamoah-Okyere
Keyword(s):  
Public Perception ◽  
Food Policy ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Public Understanding ◽  
Food Ingredients ◽  
The Public ◽  
Gm Food ◽  
Gm Foods ◽  
Choice Variable

Labeling of genetically modified (GM) food and other food ingredients from GM source has become an important national policy issues receiving serious attention not only in Ghana but globally.   This paper focused on public perceptions of labeling of GM foods in Ghana as a way of garnering a view of the public understanding of the technology that has become so much controversial for which several millions of public sector money is spent on education in the last few years. The survey which elapsed over a period of three months, shows results that indicate a dearth of knowledge on the technology and yet a high demand for labelling of the products, even though not many people read the labels on food products. This leads to the question as to ‘who is doing the listening’. The authors conclude that the limited knowledge and technology essentials among others explain why the public seems to reject the technology and call for labelling of the products in spite of the fact that labelling is nothing but a choice variable, which has nothing to do with safety measure. Modifying the present attitude of the opponents of the technology and the demanders of labelling ignoring the cost that may be involved require extensive education and awareness creations throughout the country using tailor made communication forms to address various different groups.

scholarly journals Are consumers loyal to genetically modified food? Evidence from Australia

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fazlul K. Rabbanee ◽  
Tanzim Afroz ◽  
Mostafa Mahmud Naser
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Genetically Modified Food ◽  
Consumer Loyalty ◽  
Repurchase Intention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gm Food ◽  
Parsimonious Model

PurposeGenetically modified (GM) food has received considerable interest from academics and practitioners. However, research on consumer loyalty towards GM food is relatively sparse. Guided by the theory of planned behaviour, this study aims to explore the factors that influence consumer repurchase intention and behavioural loyalty towards GM food.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 464 Australian consumer panel members surveyed through a nationwide online survey, with data analysed by structural equation modelling using AMOS (v. 22.0).FindingsThe findings reveal that consumer loyalty towards GM food is influenced by the interplay between awareness of benefits and risks, situational and social influences and attitude and repurchase intention. Female consumers are found to not only possess a relatively more favourable attitude and repurchase intention, but also are more loyal towards GM food compared to male consumers. Unlike older consumers, younger consumers' loyalty towards GM food is influenced by their attitude and repurchase intention. The relevant policy implications of the findings are discussed.Practical implicationsAs consumers have contrasting views about GM food, to influence their loyalty, it is important for GM food industries as well as policy makers to better understand how to address consumers' varying concerns about GM food.Originality/valueThis study offers a parsimonious model for explaining the factors that influence consumer loyalty towards GM food.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document