Changes in Consumer Knowledge and Behavioral Intention Toward Genetically Engineered (GE) Foods

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to assess change in the average American consumer's behavioral intention (BI) toward the avoidance of GE foods in the marketplace as a function of change in the consumer's level of knowledge about these foods. Thirty adult mainstream grocery store shoppers participated in this randomized, controlled educational intervention study. Participants completed demographic, knowledge, and BI questionnaires both before and after an educational intervention about GE foods in the marketplace. The questionnaire and educational materials were worded for neutrality – that is, to emphasize neither the pros nor the cons of GE foods. Student's t‐Test and Mann‐Whitney's U test were used and statistical significance defined as p<0.05. The experimental group showed a statistically significant (p<0.001) pre/post increase in knowledge score as compared to the control group. There were no statistically significant pre/post changes in BI scores between the two groups. Within groups, there was a statistically significant (p<0.001) increase in mean knowledge score for the experimental group and a statistically significant (p<0.05) decrease in mean knowledge score for the control group. No statistically significant correlations were found between changes in knowledge and BI scores. The results of this study indicate that neutral information may have little effect on consumer BI toward GE foods.