Consumers have
unanswered questions on GM food
Author: Isobel Drake
Publication: Australian Food News
Date: Monday, October 06, 2008
Via: AgBios
Research released
IGD has closely monitored consumer attitudes to GM food,
alongside many other issues, over the last ten years. The latest research
involved IGD talking to 7,000 shoppers during spring and early autumn 2008.
The research shows that opinions have changed very little
since the issue reached mass public attention almost a decade ago, and did not
change much over the summer, despite the further increased media profile caused
by rising food prices.
* The majority of people (54%) remain undecided, saying that they either do not know enough about GM or that they
neither oppose or support GM foods
* 48% of people say that their knowledge of GM foods is
poor, with only 17% saying it is good or very good
* When asked for a definition of GM foods, only 7% can
accurately describe them
“Consumers want to make informed decisions, and when it
comes to GM foods, they still have many unanswered questions. Although 17% say
that their knowledge is good, only 7% can actually provide an accurate
description of GM when probed,” Joanne Denney-Finch, Chief Executive, IGD.
“Nearly half of consumers are yet to form a view about the effect of GM foods
on the environment. They want to know more about the potential nutritional
benefits, if there are any. And while many believe that GM could help feed a
growing world population, they are not certain about it, and a third feel unable to give an opinion.”
SOURCE: AUSTRALIAN FOOD NEWS
agbios.com