Attitudes towards the use of GMOs in food production and their impact on buying intention: The role of positive sensory experience

Summary

The impact of information about traceability and new detection methods for identifying genetically modified organisms in food on consumer attitudes towards the acceptability of genetically modified food and consumer trust in regulators was examined in Italy, Norway and England. Public preferences for labelling of genetically modified foods in these three countries were also investigated. The results indicated that public response to the development of an effective system of traceability for genetically modified food and ingredients throughout the food chain was generally positive. Receiving information about new detection methods and traceability did not directly influence consumer attitudes towards genetically modified foods. People’s preferences for labelling of genetically modified food was ‘process-based’ rather than ‘product-based’. It was concluded that an open and transparent system of labelling regarding genetically modified foods and ingredients, coupled with effective traceability mechanisms, is likely to provide the best basis for consumer choice regarding the consumption of genetically modified foods.