scholarly journals Willingness to Pay for Enhanced Mandatory Labelling of Genetically Modified Soybean Oil: Evidence from a Choice Experiment in China

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 736
Author(s):  
Mingyang Zhang ◽  
Yubing Fan ◽  
Jingxia Cao ◽  
Lijun Chen ◽  
Chao Chen
Keyword(s):  
Soybean Oil ◽  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Genetically Modified Soybean ◽  
Gm Food ◽  
Gm Foods ◽  
Modified Soybean Oil ◽  
Safety Attributes ◽  
Mandatory Labelling

This study investigates consumers’ preferences for mandatory labelling conveying the health and safety attributes of genetically modified soybean oil. The enhanced mandatory labelling includes allergen presence labelling, nutrient and compositional change labelling and traceability codes. The data were collected from a consumer survey in the eastern, central and western regions of China, with a total sample size of 804 respondents. We evaluated consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for enhanced mandatory labelling using a choice experiment approach. The results show that Chinese consumers are most favorable to traceability codes with a WTP of RMB 8.92, followed by allergen presences labelling, with RMB 6.57. Eastern consumers would like to pay a higher premium for the three types of enhanced mandatory labelling information, while central consumers only show a positive preference for traceability codes. The results imply that the efforts and policy strategies for enhanced mandatory labelling will benefit residents. Further studies can be expended to other genetically modified (GM) foods. This study provides information for the agency to improve mandatory GM food labelling management. This paper contributes to the growing body of the GM food literature by explicitly investigating consumer preference and WTP for mandatory labelling conveying the health and safety attributes of the GM foods.

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.

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 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 Developing and implementing policy for the mandatory labelling of genetically modified food in South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 114 (7/8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Taryn de Beer ◽  
Rachel Wynberg
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Genetically Modified Food ◽  
Food Labelling ◽  
Stakeholder Satisfaction ◽  
Gm Food ◽  
Mandatory Labelling

Like many other countries, South Africa has come under public pressure to introduce mandatory labelling for genetically modified (GM) foods. Although there is increased understanding of the social and political implications of GM labelling in developed countries, implications for the Global South are still poorly understood. South Africa, as a country that consumes, produces and trades GM food, represents a fitting case study of these dimensions in the context of a developing economy. Via policy analysis, stakeholder interviews and document inquiry we offer an overview of the evolution of GM food labelling, investigate the central influences on its development and implementation, determine the critical issues and identify the factors impeding or facilitating implementation. Our findings reveal that many significant events and decisions influenced the policy on mandatory GM food labelling in South Africa. They also suggest that several pertinent and problematic issues arose during its development as a result of (1) the contentious nature of GM food labelling; (2) stakeholder opinions, influences, and conflicted positions; and (3) its practical complexity. Key implementation issues included divergent interpretations, and thus high levels of ambiguity; an inefficient National Consumer Commission; a lack of recourse for non-compliance; and the absence of a government-enforcement agency. Lower capacity in developing countries underscores the importance of a participation process that is believable by and inclusive of all actors. Stakeholders’ opinions about the policy development process were affected by their predetermined viewpoints about GM organisms (GMOs). Findings emphasise the significance on participatory processes of larger policy debates about the acceptability of GMOs, and the importance of contextualising GM food labelling policies within such debates. Significance: • The first review of the evolution of mandatory GM food labelling policy in South Africa is provided. • A knowledge gap with regard to GM food labelling in developing countries is filled. • The importance of procedural fairness in determining the degree of stakeholder satisfaction with policy decisions is revealed.

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 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.

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