Why Consumers Don't see the Benefits of Genetically Modified Foods, and what Marketers can do about It

2018 ◽  
Vol 82 (5) ◽  
pp. 125-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean T. Hingston ◽  
Theodore J. Noseworthy
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Experiment ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Purchase Intentions ◽  
Food Labeling ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Gm Food ◽  
Consumer Panel ◽  
Gm Foods ◽  
Online Consumer ◽  
Promotion Strategies

Evidence from four studies suggests that the moral opposition toward genetically modified (GM) foods impedes the perception of their benefits, and critically, marketers can circumvent this moral opposition by employing subtle cues to position these products as being “man-made.” Specifically, if consumers view the GM food as man-made, and if they understand why it was created, moral opposition to the product diminishes, and the GM food's perceived benefits increase, which subsequently increases purchase intentions for the product. This effect is replicated in the field (in both controlled and naturalistic settings), in a laboratory experiment, and with an online consumer panel. The results suggest that marketers can help consumers better consider all information when assessing the merits of GM foods by using packaging and promotion strategies to cue consumers to view the GM food for what it is (i.e., a man-made object created with intent). The findings have implications for the recent GM food labeling debate.

scholarly journals The Chinese public’s awareness and attitudes toward genetically modified foods with different labeling

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yawei Zhao ◽  
Haiyan Deng ◽  
Changxin Yu ◽  
Ruifa Hu
Keyword(s):  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Food Labeling ◽  
Public Confidence ◽  
Gm Food ◽  
Gm Foods ◽  
The Media ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Chinese Public

Abstracts This paper analyzes the awareness and attitudes of the Chinese public toward genetically modified (GM) foods with different types of labeling and evaluates the impact of public confidence in the government management of GM food labeling has on their attitude. From 2015 to 2016, we conducted a series of surveys to collect data from 1730 respondents, which included consumers, farmers, media, and local agricultural officials in agricultural departments. The results show ~60% of the Chinese public do not know that they usually consume or purchase GM products or products containing GM ingredients. Nearly 80% of the Chinese public are accepting foods labeled as not containing GM ingredients, 57% are accepting foods without labeling, and ~40% are accepting GM-labeled foods. The respondents with a lack of confidence in the government are less likely to embrace GM foods. Those that are more aware of GM products are more likely to accept GM labeled foods. The group having the most positive attitude toward GM-labeled foods is the media, followed by agricultural officials, while the group having the most negative attitude toward GM labeled foods is farmers. Our findings provide an empirical basis to inform GM food labeling policy discussions and possible revisions, which may promote the development of GM foods in China.

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.

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.

Honey produced from genetically modified canola (Brassica napus) nectar will not need to be labelled as a GM food under current Australian guidelines

2006 ◽  
Vol 46 (8) ◽  
pp. 1101 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Hornitzky ◽  
A. Ghalayini
Keyword(s):  
Brassica Napus ◽  
Genetic Modification ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Gm Food ◽  
Gm Foods ◽  
Pollen Content

Food or ingredients labelled as genetically modified (GM) contain either new genetic material or protein as a result of genetic modification. In Australia, a 1% threshold, below which labelling is not required, exists for the unintended presence of GM material in non-GM foods. The canola pollen content by dry weight in a range of canola honey samples from diverse geographical areas in Australia was determined to be 0.2 ± 0.12%, well below the 1% threshold. Two GM canola honey samples sourced from Canada contained 0.19 and 0.24% of canola pollen. This work indicates honey derived from GM canola crops will not need to be labelled as a GM food.

scholarly journals Labeling of genetically modified food: Closer to reality in the United States?

2013 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anton E. Wohlers
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
The United States ◽  
Food Labeling ◽  
Genetically Modified Food ◽  
Policy Debate ◽  
Gm Food ◽  
Regulatory Changes ◽  
Gm Animals ◽  
Near Future

Within the broader context of several related biotech developments, including the proliferation of GM food in American grocery stories, the recent decision by Whole Foods Market, Inc. to require the labeling of all genetically modified (GM) organism products sold in its stores by 2018, and the development of GM animals for consumption, this essay asks whether the United States is inching towards a policy of mandatory GM food labeling. The analysis highlights aspects of the biotechnology policy debate in the United States and European Union, and traces public opinion as well as grassroots and legislative efforts aimed at GM food labeling. Findings show that activities at the federal level do not suggest any major regulatory changes regarding labeling in the near future; however, a growing number of individual states are considering GM food labeling legislation and political momentum in favor of labeling has picked up in recent years. Voluntary labeling by food companies may also become increasingly common.

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.

scholarly journals Attitude Gaps with Respect to GM Non-Food Crops and GM Food Crops and Confidence in the Government’s Management of Biotechnology: Evidence from Beijing Consumers, Chinese Farmers, Journalists, and Government Officials

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 324
Author(s):  
Changxin Yu ◽  
Haiyan Deng ◽  
Ruifa Hu
Keyword(s):  
Soybean Oil ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Gm Crops ◽  
Food Crops ◽  
Chinese Consumers ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Gm Food ◽  
Gm Foods ◽  
Soy Meal

Most soybean oil consumed in China is made from imported genetically modified (GM) soybeans, while livestock are fed imported GM soy meal and GM corn. However, no GM food crops are allowed to be planted in China at present. That puts China in a confusing situation where GM foods can be eaten but cannot be grown. Many studies suggest that it is partially due to Chinese consumers’ and government officials’ opposition to GM technology. This is the first study that examines different stakeholders’ and journalists’ attitudes toward the commercialization of GM non-food crops and GM food crops and investigates the attitude gaps with respect to these crops. From 2015 to 2016, surveys were conducted face-to-face and by email with 1730 respondents, including 1460 consumers, 54 farmers, 70 journalists, and 146 agricultural officials. We find that nearly 60% of respondents are supportive of the commercialization of GM non-food crops, but less than 30% of respondents support the commercialization of GM food crops. Around 50% of respondents have no confidence in the government’s management of biotechnology, while only 17% have confidence in the government’s management. Those with lack of confidence in the government’s management are less likely to support the commercialization of GM crops.

The Economics of GM Labeling and Implications for Trade

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill J. McCluskey ◽  
Jason Winfree
Keyword(s):  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Trade Agreement ◽  
Consumer Welfare ◽  
Food Labeling ◽  
Gm Food ◽  
Consumer Risk ◽  
The Impact

AbstractIn this article, we model the effects of both voluntary and mandatory genetically modified (GM) food labeling on profits and consumer welfare. The non-GM firms weakly benefit from having the option to voluntarily label their product and will increase their quantities produced if labeling makes their non-GM product more valuable to consumers relative to the increased costs of labeling. GM producers make lower profits when non-GM firms voluntarily label because of increase in non-GM firms production. Mandatory labeling can be a different scenario. Costs of mandatory labeling are borne by the GM producers, and the benefits are reaped by the non-GM producers as it differentiates their product. We also consider the possibility that consumers will view the mandatory GM labels as a warning, such as a mandatory health label on cigarettes. The combination of increased costs along with decreased willingness to pay could be damaging to GM producers. The level of consumer concern about consuming GM food greatly affects the impact of labeling policies. Coordination of policies for a trade agreement will have different effects depending on consumer risk perceptions in that country and the number of GM firms.

Opening the vault: The truth behind genetically modified foods

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean Elizabeth Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Informed Consent ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Natural World ◽  
Genetically Modified Foods ◽  
North Americans ◽  
Gm Food ◽  
Gm Foods ◽  
Food Market ◽  
The Way

When it comes to experimentation, informed consent must be given. How will North Americans feel when they find out they have been unknowingly participating in the consumption ofgenetically modified (GM) foods? GM foods develop global controversies, and have since their introduction into the international food market. Top stories in the news today cover the concerns of GM products facing the environment and its biodiversity; however, they seem to neglect the health risks for humans. This is because most GM food providers do not want possible health risks to get in the way of profit. Therefore, the vault must be opened: Genetically modified foods need to be avoided because of the detrimental health risks associated with their consumption. The health risks regarding genetically modified foods are extremely important because they can be easily prevented if the globe comes together to promote a natural world. It will undoubtedly be difficult because of the invasion of GMOs that has already taken place, but refusing to purchase GM products, at least until they are proven to be safe, is an ideal place to start.

scholarly journals WILLINGESS TO CONSUME GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD IN CHINESE PERSPECTIVE

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (04) ◽  
pp. 799-808
Author(s):  
Muhammad Asim Nawaz
Keyword(s):  
Secure Communication ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
Genetically Modified Food ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Gm Food ◽  
Trust In Technology

Almost after investing 25 years in research and development, China has reached to the decisional stage to either continue or discontinue or at least reduce the introductory speed of the genetically modified (GM) food production. The current study integrates the Benefit-Risk Analysis (BRA) framework and trust to study the consumer willingness to consume GM food. A structured survey conducted in nine major cities of China among 345 qualified samples analyzed through structural equational modeling-smart partial least square (SEM-Smart PLS). The statistical results lead to the following conclusions: The proposed psychological-persuasive model highlights the “trust in institutions” holds the least explanatory power while communicating about GM food-related risks in society. In the case of mapping perceived benefits, the trust in technology should be improved; as in the overall view of BRA, the perceived benefits hold less explanatory abilities in contrast to perceived risks. In other words, a secure communication strategy can change the public acceptance trend of GM food in China

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document