Genetically Modified Food Products Research Articles

Consumption of Genetically Modified Food Products and Its Determinants (Case Study: Edible Oil in Mashhad).

In recent decades, the global increase in the demand for food and the increasing growth of the world population has caused an inevitable transition from traditional to advanced agriculture and the use of new technologies in the production of food and agricultural products. One of the new achievements of biotechnology is the production and use of genetically modified plants. The benefits of genetically modified crops can be seen well beyond the farm as well, from helping to conserve natural resources to fighting climate change. Identifying the factors that influence people's acceptance of genetically modified (GM) foods can inform industries and policymakers regarding their innovation trajectories, as well as policy development and implementation. Therefore, the current research evaluates the effect of the marketing mix and other effective factors on the consumption of genetically modified (GM) edible oil in Mashhad, Iran. The required information was collected by completing 390 questionnaires and using the available sampling method in 2022. Factors affecting the probability of consumers making a decision to consume GM edible oil and the consumption amounts of this oil were analyzed through Heckman's two-stage Tobit model using the STATA 16 software package. The results showed that factors affecting the intention of consuming GM edible oils are different from factors affecting the amount of consumption of GM edible oils. Moreover, selected marketing mixes have a significant effect on the amount of consumption of GM edible oils, and therefore, policy-makers can influence the consumption of GM edible oils by using marketing tools. The effect of household monthly income on the consumption of GM edible oil is also negative and significant, which shows that households with higher incomes have less consumption of GM edible oils. Based on the results, trust in the government has a positive and significant effect on the consumption of GM edible oil, so when consumers have trust in their government about GM food products, the consumption of GM edible oil will increase. Therefore, it is suggested that the country's food security authorities gain the trust of consumers by clarifying the production process of GM products and holding scientific debates between the proponents and opponents of the production and consumption of GM food products in order to express the advantages and disadvantages of these products to inform consumers and help them choose between products.

South African consumers’ knowledge of genetically modified (GM) food products and influences that affect the purchasing decision of GM foods

Prevailing food insecurity has necessitated the leveraging of alternative food products if the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2), referring to zero hunger for the worldwide population, is to be achieved. Although the production of genetically modified (GM) plant-based crops has been adopted in South Africa (SA), and available for human consumption, a dearth of research exists in respect of SA consumers’ knowledge of, and the influences that affect the purchase of GM food products. An exploratory survey study design included 326 consumers, purposefully selected through snowball sampling from Mooi river, in KwaZulu-Natal province, SA. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was used to identify underlying drivers for the knowledge and influences on the purchase decisions of GM food products. It was found that although respondents were aware of GM food products and understood the meaning of “genetically modified”, they lacked general knowledge about GM food products, reflected in the minimal scope of their knowledge and uncertainty of GM components present in food products as identified through an EFA. Consideration for purchasing would include the potential to increase food supplies, the reduced usage of pesticides, carcinogenic effects, allergenicity, harmful effect on the environment, longer shelf life and the unnatural development of GM food products. Through EFA, consumption and production implications, consumer advantages, product identification elements, and agricultural pesticide practices were underlying drivers of the influencers of consumers’ GM food product purchasing decisions. Food insecurity could persist if GM consumer education is not re-introduced in SA to address consumer apathy and sense of disengagement towards GM food products. This is attributed to the limited consumer knowledge about GM food products. This study has contributed towards a better understanding of the current consumer perspective on GM food products and what it will take to turn the GM food product aversion into informed consumer decisions and practices. Future research in SA is needed to determine the demographic profile of consumers and how that will influence GM food product purchases in the wake of addressing food security. Key words: food insecurity, food security, GM agriculture, consumer education

Consumer Perceptions on the Introduction of Genetically Modified Food Products in Kenya: A Qualitative Study in Nyeri and Meru Counties

The introduction of genetically modified (GM) food products in Kenya has raised concerns among consumers, as well as regulatory authorities and industry players. This study aimed to explore the attitudes and perceptions of consumers towards GM food products in Kenya, using a qualitative research design and thematic content analysis. The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive understanding of consumer perceptions towards GM food products in Kenya. Data was collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) with participants drawn from Meru and Nyeri Counties. The data was analyzed using Nvivo software and thematic content analysis. The major findings of the study suggest that consumers in Kenya have limited knowledge and understanding of GM food products. Participants expressed concerns about the safety, health implications, and environmental impact of GM foods. Cultural and religious beliefs also played a significant role in shaping consumer perceptions of GM foods. Despite the concerns raised, participants acknowledged the potential benefits of GM foods, including increased food production and improved nutritional content. Based on the findings, this study recommends that the government, industry players, and other stakeholders should collaborate to develop clear and transparent regulations for GM food products. This should be coupled with targeted education and awareness campaigns to promote public understanding and acceptance of GM foods. Further research is also needed to investigate the potential long-term effects of GM foods on human health and the environment with an underscore of impartial awareness endeavor

Examining the key determinants of the jordanian customer’s adoption of genetically modified food

Genetically modified food (GMF) is one of the most debated issues in the food market. There has been considerable interest from both academic researchers and policy makers regarding the antecedents and consequences of the commercial adoption of GMF applications. Conceptually, GMF can be defined as “Genetically modified (hereafter GM) foods are produced from genetically modified seeds or ingredients derived from plants or animals whose DNA has been manipulated using genetic engineering methods” [1, p. 2861]. However, only a limited number of studies have tested the related issues of GMF products from a customer perspective. Thus, this project intends to discover and examine the main drivers and hindrances in predicting customers’ intention and buying decision behaviour in developing Arabian countries (i.e., Jordan). A diffusion of innovations (DOIs) model was selected as the theoretical basis for the current study project. A field survey study was conducted to collect the requested quantitative data from a convenience sample of Jordanian customers. Statistical results largely supported the role of relative advantage, compatibility, trialability, social approval, awareness, perceived risk and price value on the behavioural intention to adopt GMF products, which in turn significantly predicted actual adoption behaviour. The results of the current project will hopefully expand the current academic understanding of the main factors that predict Jordanian customers’ perception and adoption of GMF products.

Legal Aspects of Genetically Modified Food Product Safety for Health in Indonesia

Genetic Engineering is the transplantation of one gene to another, both between genes and across genes, toproduce valuable products for living beings. The rapid growth of genetic engineering in Indonesia and GeneticallyModified (GM) food products has raised many worries and issues about these foods posing a health risk whenconsumed. Concerns about GM food products are increasing, including the possibility of allergic reactions, genetransfer, and outcrossing. Indonesia is one of the countries that has accepted the Cartagena Protocol, a securityprotocol designed to protect biodiversity from the potential risk posed by genetically modified organisms createdby contemporary biotechnology. The writer, through this study, would like to convey the extent to which theexisting regulations in Indonesia regarding GM food product safety for public health and how the government’sresponsibility in GM food product safety is for public health. As a result of this study, GM food products had beenregulated by law, and the establishment of a Biosafety Commission was one form of government responsibility forpreserving the safety of GM food products for public health.

Legal Aspects of Genetically Modified Food Product Safety for Health in Indonesia

Genetic Engineering is the transplantation of one gene to another, both between genes and across genes, to produce valuable products for living beings. The rapid growth of genetic engineering in Indonesia and Genetically Modified (GM) food products has raised many worries and issues about these foods posing a health risk when consumed. Concerns about GM food products are increasing, including the possibility of allergic reactions, gene transfer, and outcrossing. Indonesia is one of the countries that has accepted the Cartagena Protocol, a security protocol designed to protect biodiversity from the potential risk posed by genetically modified organisms created by contemporary biotechnology. The writer, through this study, would like to convey the extent to which the existing regulations in Indonesia regarding GM food product safety for public health and how the government's responsibility in GM food product safety is for public health. As a result of this study, GM food products had been regulated by law, and the establishment of a Biosafety Commission was one form of government responsibility for preserving the safety of GM food products for public health.

Detection of genetically modified food products in indian market using PCR based GMO detection kit: a pilot study

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have not approved any genetically modified (GM) food products to be manufactured, distributed, sold/or imported in the country. Many countries across the globe are legally approved to cultivate GM crops like soybean, maize, canola, cotton seeds, etc. Many people living in urban India nowadays prefer to purchase imported food products. As a result, an increasing number of food items (without GM labels) are being imported in India. Nevertheless, these products are also easily available for buyers online. Thus, it is important to understand whether these imported food items available in the Indian market are GMO-free. The objective of this study is to check the availability of GM food products in raw and processed forms in the Indian local market through the use of conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The study is designed to screen for the presence of regulatory genes (35S promoter and NOS terminator) which are the most common sequences found in transgenic food products. Using the cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) method, DNA was extracted from 12 food samples commercially available in the Indian market (locally and online) followed by PCR to detect the presence of GM DNA using HIMEDIA’S MBPCR055 GMO detection kit. Overall, 16.66% of the total samples were tested positive for GM DNA. Of the imported food items, 33.33% were tested positive. Products that were manufactured in the US and Netherlands were tested positive for GMOs. Their main ingredients were also soy and corn. Samples manufactured in India were GMO negative.

Canadian consumer opinions regarding food purchase decisions

Abstract Agricultural biotechnology produced genetically modified (GM) crops, not only provide economic benefits to farmers, but are beneficial to the environmental, human health, and consumers. At a time when no tool in agriculture can be overlooked when dealing with increasing environmental, food security, and economic pressures, what do Canadian consumers think of GM food, following over 20 years of consumption? This article presents the results of a 2018 survey of 506 English-speaking Canadian consumers, about GM food, food labels and purchasing decisions. Results show the two most important factors that impact Canadian consumer food purchase decisions are: price and place of origin (Canadian made). Canadian consumers are responding to surveys about their willingness to consume GM food products in diametric opposition to their actual purchasing behavior. That is, consumers say they mistrust GM foods, but when consumers are making food purchase decisions in grocery stores, price is the key purchase determining factor.

Qualitative PCR-based detection of genetically modified soy and maize products in Iran

ABSTRACT Soy and maize are the most cultivated genetically modified (GM) crops in the world, which are commonly used in many food products. Establishing regulations for food products containing transgenic materials are obligatory in many countries in order to provide consumers with information. For this purpose, an accurate qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was applied to investigate GM food products from Iran. In present study, a total of 90 non-labeled soy and maize samples were collected from Tehran’s market and their DNA were extracted by a kit. All samples were analyzed to screen the 35 S promoter and (nopaline synthase) NOS terminator elements. Having screened the GM positive samples, they were subjected to identification of specific transgenic events RR soy, Bt11 and MON810 maize with PCR. According to our results, 95% of soy and 60% of maize analyzed samples were positive for the 35 S promoter and NOS terminator. Furthermore, event-specific analysis indicated the presence of RR soy, Bt11 and MON810 maize in tested samples, while none of these food-derived samples demonstrated any GM label. The obtained results revealed that the necessity of monitoring system to provide a good reliable control of GM materials in food products and subsequently on their labeling.

Perception and Attitude toward GM Technology among Agribusiness Managers in China as Producers and as Consumers

China is one of the biggest consumers of genetically modified (GM) products, importing maize, soybeans and canola, and producing GM cotton. The cultivation of GM food crop, however, is still not permitted. Many studies argue that consumers’ attitude toward GM food safety is a major barrier to GM food crop production in China. Recent studies suggest that special interest groups such as biotechnology scientists with an economic interest in biotechnology are more supportive of the technology than groups with nothing to gain. Others believe that agribusiness groups influence the debate about GM food production. This is the first study that examined agribusiness managers’ attitudes toward GM biosafety and their support for GM crop production. The sample was 160 firms in the seed, pesticide, feed and food processing industries. We found most agribusiness leaders are concerned about GM food consumption and oppose GM crop production. Using regression models, we found business managers’ attitudes toward GM crop cultivation are more supportive if they expect to profit, if they are already using GM crops in their firm or are doing research on GM crops.

A Study of Consumer Behaviour towards Genetically Modified Foods and the Moderating Effects of Health Consciousness

With growing environmentalism and health concerns, people have become more conscious of the types of food they consume and the way they are processed. The principle of the present research paper is to explore the behaviour of consumers towards genetically modified (GM) foods and the moderating role of health consciousness. The rationale behind the present study is to address the gap in the past research work wherein most of the researchers have emphasized on major factors that influence consumption of GM foods such as product acceptance, information, higher income and ethical consumption. Findings This paper explores the effect of consumer’s health consciousness on their GM food purchase. The key purpose of the study is to explore the influence of health consciousness of consumers in moderating consumer attitude towards their behaviour in context of GM food products. The results suggest that information provided by the government and the trusted regulatory help consumers to form positive attitude towards GM foods. Practical implications The findings suggest that the marketer should revolve advertisement and marketing strategies around the issues pertaining consumer’s health consciousness. Moreover, government and other trusted regulatory must ensure consumers that GM food are healthy and superior to conventional food. Originality/value This is one of the primary studies to examine the moderating effect of a health consciousness that bears on GM foods. Its empirical findings are projected to benefit the sustained expansion of GM foods.

Russian consumer willingness to pay for genetically modified food

Addressing a gap in the literature on genetically modified (GM) food preferences, we conducted a survey in Russia, where legislation forbids GM food production and importation. Based on in-person consumer surveys and choice experiments in Perm, Russia, we estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) for bread containing GMOs. In addition, we utilized a principal-component analysis (PCA) to construct variables that indicate types of consumers. Within this approach, we estimate how respondents’ money- and health-consciousness affects their WTP for bread containing GMOs. Our findings are consistent with previous studies of Russian consumer preferences, who find that Russian consumers’ food purchases are often motivated by health concerns and the “naturalness” of foods. Our results indicate that information-seeking health-conscious consumers tend to be less likely to purchase GM foods, while more money-conscious consumers are more likely to purchase the GM product. Overall, even with discounts ranging between 5% and 50%, only around 20% of respondents in our survey are willing to choose bread containing GMOs rather than bread made using conventional inputs.

Different shades of displeasure

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the differential consequences of fear and anger for consumers’ responses to genetically modified (GM) foods, and to identify substantive concerns that differentiate consumers’ negative emotional responses into fear and anger in the GM food context. Design/methodology/approach With survey data obtained from university students (n=267), structural equation modeling is used to assess relationships between four types of consumer concerns about the genetic modification of food, fear and anger, and two types of consumer responses to GM food products. Findings Intentions to make complaints about GM foods are increased by anger, but reduced by fear. Readiness to use GM foods is reduced by fear, but not by anger. Fear is strengthened by health-related concerns, while anger is strengthened by market-related concerns associated with the genetic modification of food. Research limitations/implications The generalizability of the findings is limited by the student sample. The study confirms the applicability of cognitive appraisal theories of emotion in the context of GM food consumption. The findings help GM food marketers and societal opinion influencers to identify consumers’ concerns that need to be addressed to manage consumers’ antagonistic or avoiding emotion-driven responses to GM foods. Originality/value This study is the first to show that discrete emotions of the same negative valence have distinct effects on consumer acceptance of GM foods, and to distinguish substantive concerns that in particular foster fear and anger in the GM food context.

Food Labels, Information, and Trade in GMOs

Abstract This article focuses on the economics of labeling of genetically modified (GM) products in an international trade context with coexistence of both GM and traditional products and asymmetric information. Even though the scientific consensus is that GM food products are safe for human consumption, there has been a lack of acceptance by a growing segment of consumers, which has resulted in reduced or curbed demand for GM food products. The size of the anti-GM consumer segment differs across countries and suggests that coexistence will continue in a subset of countries for the near future. Many countries have developed regulations, approval processes, and labelling policies that largely reflect the economics and politics specific to each country. Hence, different labeling policies have emerged across countries. These differences in policies will continue to create difficulties, and may lead to the dominance of private standards.

Genetically modified foods: Consumer awareness, opinions and attitudes in selected EU countries

AbstractThe dynamic development of biotechnology in recent years has raised serious public concerns about the possible risks arising from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The aim of this study was to investigate consumer opinions regarding genetically modified (GM) foods. The research also aimed at verifying the differences in the attitudes of respondents from two, relatively culturally diverse research sites. To obtain empirical data a face‐to‐face survey was conducted in 2015. It covered a total of 976 randomly selected individuals. The study was performed in the capital of the United Kingdom—London and the Polish capital—Warsaw. The results of the study show that almost half of the respondents were familiar with the GMO concept. According to the respondents, the greatest benefits arising from the genetic modification are: enhanced shelf‐life of food and crops' resistance to extreme climatic conditions. The main disadvantages were: unpredictable consequences of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) modification, production of species‐specific toxins and food allergenicity. Over two thirds of people surveyed support the idea of the obligatory labeling of GM foods. The information presented on food packaging should primarily include potential contraindications to the consumption, indication that food was produced using transgenic sources and a warning about potential allergenicity. An almost equal number of respondents showed intention for purchasing GM food products, an intention to act otherwise, or was not decided. As many as 27.7% of survey participants showed negative attitudes toward GM foods, whereas only 19.8% predominantly positive. It is worth noticing that, with only one exception, no statistically significant differences were observed between the opinions of Polish and British respondents.

Modul Penentuan Hukum Makanan Ubah Suai Genetik (GMF) Dan Kepentingannya Kepada Umat Islam

This article discusses the importance of building the module to determine the status of genetically modified food (GMF) and its importance to Muslims based on Maqasid Shariah. GMF is a modern food products produced through biotechnology engineering with methods to manipulate the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of plant, animal and so on. As a result, the process produces food which are more nutritious and contain more nutrients than natural food products. GMF are also able to be produced in large quantities and incur little cost compared to natural food through genetic modification process. There is still no any guidelines or module that can be used to determine the ruling status of the GMF products. The objective of this study is to produce guidelines in module that should be used in determining the status of GMF that had been through biotechnology engineering process. Further, this study also seeks to clarify the importance of guidelines to determine the ruling status of GMF for Muslims. To make this study successful, data collection was conducted by using a qualitative design using library methods, descriptive, comparative, and content analysis of the sources in fiqh and science. Through the research conducted, GMF products can be eaten if they suit certain principles that have been outlined. Through these principles, the application of the ruling determines the products of GMF will be more organized. This study is significant to overcome the ambiguity of the ruling status of the GMF. It also aims to help the relevant authorities in determining the ruling of the products based on GMF products.

0452 Public perceptions of animal-sourced genetically modified food products

The success of agricultural biotechnology depends as much on consumer acceptance of Genetically Modified (GM) products as it does on the ability to create them. To explore public perceptions of GM food products, we surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1148 American adults during October 23–27, 2013. The data was collected by GFK Knowledge Networks from an internet panel recruited using proportional random sampling. The data was weighted to project to the U.S. population, and has a margin of error of ± 3%. The results show that despite the ongoing controversy over GM foods, 50% of Americans report having heard or read little or nothing about them, 55% report that they know very little or nothing at all about them, and two-thirds (66%) say they have never discussed the issue of GM foods with anyone. Estimates are that 75% of processed foods in the U.S. contain ingredients derived from GM crops. However, only 43% of Americans say that they believe that there are foods containing GM ingredients in supermarkets right now, while 4% say there are no such foods in U.S. supermarkets, and 51% say they don't know. Many of those who believe that there are GM foods in the supermarket are confused about which products are available. For example, while 75% correctly believe that there are products in U.S. supermarkets containing GM corn, and 59% correctly believe that there are products containing GM soy, nearly as many (56%) believe that GM tomatoes, GM Wheat (55%), and GM Chicken (50%) products are available and 35% believe that GM salmon are currently for sale. Moreover, even though GM food products have been on the market in the U.S. for more than two decades, only 26% of Americans believe that they have ever eaten a food containing GM ingredients. Yet, while most Americans say they have heard and read little about GM foods, know little about them, have never had a conversation about them, don't believe they are currently in the supermarket, and don't believe they have ever eaten them, most are willing to express an opinion about the acceptability of GM food products. When asked directly, only 10% of consumers say they approve of GM animal-sourced food products, 44% say they disapprove of them, and 43% neither approve nor disapprove of them, or are unsure. However, there is much greater public acceptance expressed when specific product benefits are described.

Emerging Risks of Genetically Modified Foods

Introduction :The purpose of the study is to review the health and environmental risks of genetically modified (GM) foods and consumers perception on the use of GM food products. Methods: Observati...

Consumer Willingness‐to‐Pay for Genetically Modified Potatoes in Ireland: An Experimental Auction Approach

ABSTRACTIt is recognized that many consumers are skeptical about genetically modified (GM) foods. Yet less is known about the extent to which consumers may purchase GM food products given suitable price positioning and marketing information on nonprice attributes of the products. In this study, we examine consumer acceptance of GM late blight resistant potatoes in Ireland. Our analysis uses an experimental auction methodology that facilitates positive and negative bids to provide a more complete revelation of preferences. Results show that a majority of participants preferred conventional potatoes to GM potatoes. Favorable information about GM increased subjects’ valuations of GM potatoes. After being informed about potential economic and health benefits, up to two‐thirds of our subjects indicated that they would choose GM potatoes at a 20% price discount, while 14% of subjects would still reject GM potatoes at any price. Higher levels of education, greater familiarity with GM, and the presence of children in the household were associated with lower valuation of the GM product. [EconLit citations: C91; D12].

Genetically modified foods and their social representation

Considering the great impact of genetic modification in food production, it is important for food companies, policy makers and regulators to understand how consumers make sense of this technology, especially in developing countries, which are intensive producers. This study aimed to explore public opinions, beliefs, attitudes and behavior towards genetically modified food (GMF). Forty-eight consumers were interviewed and data analysis was performed through the Collective Subjective Discourse, a method based on the Social Representations Theory. Results showed that GMF are seen as unnatural and artificial. Positive attitudes and willingness to purchase are associated to personal and social benefits, while risk and fear of side effects underlie negative attitude. Genetically modified (GM) plants and microorganisms are seen more favorably then GM animals (clearly rejected). This work contributes to deepen the debate about GMF through the structural approach of social representation. The findings might be useful to direct more efficient communication strategies.