A new national survey by the Grocery Manufacturers of America shows U.S. consumers are increasingly aware of agricultural biotechnology but have not changed their food consumption behavior, despite publicity over the recall of taco shells allegedly containing unapproved biotech corn.
In addition, the survey showed biotechnology remains acceptable to the majority of Americans as a means to improve farming practices and food quality.
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More than half (53%) of all consumers interviewed had personally read or heard recent news about food products being recalled by their manufacturer. General awareness of agricultural biotechnology has also risen, with over three quarters of those interviewed reporting that they had heard or read about this topic. The survey was designed and analyzed by Thomas J. Hoban, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology and Food Science, North Carolina State University, who concluded: “Biotechnology is simply not an issue for the vast majority of U.S. consumers.”
Survey results demonstrate that recognition of the use of biotechnology has not affected food consumption. One third of all consumers interviewed reported that they had not avoided or reduced consumption of any foods over the past few months. No one interviewed mentioned avoiding any foods with genetically modified ingredients.
In fact, Americans remain positive over the benefits of agricultural biotechnology. Two-thirds (67%) would be likely to buy produce (such as potatoes or tomatoes) that had been modified through biotechnology to require fewer pesticides. Just as many (66%) would buy such produce if it were modified to contain more vitamins and nutrients. “This is basically the same response we have seen over the past five years to the same question on other national polls,” said Hoban.
Direct consumer action is not evident as a result of the recent news stories. Only five percent of respondents reported that they had “actually done anything or taken any actions because of any concerns about genetically modified foods.”
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By GlobalData“These results show consumers continue to have confidence in the regulatory structure provided by government agencies like the FDA and EPA,” said GMA President and CEO C. Manly Molpus. “In addition, swift action by responsible food manufacturers and retailers, taken even before the need for government intervention, has reinforced the strong and well-founded confidence consumers have in the U.S. food supply.”
The survey found that only 10 percent of consumers worry a great deal that the foods they eat might not be safe. Almost two-thirds had little or no such concern. Consumers’ main concerns remain those related to food that is not fresh or not handled in an appropriate manner. Their attention is focused on spoilage or bacterial contamination that can have immediate health impacts.
Interviews were conducted with 500 American adults between October 6-8 by KRC Research. Results have a margin of error of 4.4 percent. GMA said it would continue monitoring consumers to determine whether the most recent recall of taco shells manufactured for Safeway Supermarkets would have any impact on food safety concerns.
