Genetically Modified Food Safety Research Articles

Engaging with misinformation and misinformation corrective messages on social media: Examining the role of source cues, social endorsement cues, and prior attitudes

ABSTRACTThis study seeks to understand how individuals engage with misinformation and corrective messages about genetically modified (GM) food safety on social media. Based on a 2 (expert source vs. social peer source) x 2 (high social endorsements vs. low social endorsements) between-subject experiment (N = 264), this study examined the role of source cues, social endorsement cues, and prior attitudes in influencing individuals’ social media engagements. Results found that individuals selectively engaged with misinformation and corrective messages based on their prior attitudes. Individuals with more negative prior attitudes toward GM foods were more likely to share, click ‘likes,’ add a positive comment, and were less likely to add a negative comment to the misinformation message that doubts GM food safety. Conversely, individuals with more positive prior attitudes toward GM foods were more likely to share, click ‘likes,’ and were less likely to add a negative comment to the corrective message that supports GM food safety. Individuals were more likely to endorse a corrective message when it was attributed to an expert (vs. social peer) source. However, social media endorsements had no significant impact on individuals’ social media engagement with the corrective message.

Assessment of the safety of genetically modified foods

In recent years, with the rapid development of modern science and technology, as people utilize various scientific and technological means to alter the characteristics of organisms, potential hazards to the ecological environment and human health may arise. Due to the extensive application of modern biotechnology, genetically modified (GM) technology has been employed in agricultural production, resulting in genetically modified foods. People are highly concerned about the safety of GM foods. This article uses a literature review to assess the safety of GM foods from the perspectives of the current status of GM animals and plants and potential risks. The results suggest potential toxicity to humans, food allergies, certain environmental hazards, and the possible reduction of biodiversity and gene flow.

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

Plant genetic transformation promotes modern agriculture and the food safety of genetically modified plants

<p>The contribution of business marketing of genetically modified (GM) plants to crop improvement, reduced use of pesticides, and the improvement of the ecological environment was presented. The toxicity and allergy of GM food, the ecological risks confronted by GM plant cultivation, and the necessity of government inspection of GM products were also discussed. GM plants and their derived products have been consumed as food for more than 30 years since the commercialization of transgenic plants in 1995. Most scientific papers have proved that there is no significant discrepancy between GM plants and non-GM plants in composition till now. The discovery of natural transgenic sweet potatoes has further demonstrated the safety of GM foods.</p>

Vis-NIR Spectroscopy and Machine Learning Methods for the Discrimination of Transgenic Brassica napus L. and Their Hybrids with B. juncea

The rapid advancement of genetically modified (GM) technology over the years has raised concerns about the safety of GM crops and foods for human health and the environment. Gene flow from GM crops may be a threat to the environment. Therefore, it is critical to develop reliable, rapid, and low-cost technologies for detecting and monitoring the presence of GM crops and crop products. Here, we used visible near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy to distinguish between GM and non-GM Brassica napus, B. juncea, and F1 hybrids (B. juncea X GM B. napus). The Vis-NIR spectra were preprocessed with different preprocessing methods, namely normalization, standard normal variate, and Savitzky–Golay. Both raw and preprocessed spectra were used in combination with eight different chemometric methods for the effective discrimination of GM and non-GM plants. The standard normal variate and support vector machine combination was determined to be the most accurate model in the discrimination of GM, non-GM, and hybrid plants among the many combinations (99.4%). The use of deep learning in combination with Savitzky–Golay resulted in 99.1% classification accuracy. According to the findings, it is concluded that handheld Vis-NIR spectroscopy combined with chemometric analyses could be used to distinguish between GM and non-GM B. napus, B. juncea, and F1 hybrids.

Discrimination of Transgenic Canola (Brassica napus L.) and their Hybrids with B. rapa using Vis-NIR Spectroscopy and Machine Learning Methods.

In recent years, the rapid development of genetically modified (GM) technology has raised concerns about the safety of GM crops and foods for human health and the ecological environment. Gene flow from GM crops to other crops, especially in the Brassicaceae family, might pose a threat to the environment due to their weediness. Hence, finding reliable, quick, and low-cost methods to detect and monitor the presence of GM crops and crop products is important. In this study, we used visible near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy for the effective discrimination of GM and non-GM Brassica napus, B. rapa, and F1 hybrids (B. rapa X GM B. napus). Initially, Vis-NIR spectra were collected from the plants, and the spectra were preprocessed. A combination of different preprocessing methods (four methods) and various modeling approaches (eight methods) was used for effective discrimination. Among the different combinations, the Savitzky-Golay and Support Vector Machine combination was found to be an optimal model in the discrimination of GM, non-GM, and hybrid plants with the highest accuracy rate (100%). The use of a Convolutional Neural Network with Normalization resulted in 98.9%. The same higher accuracy was found in the use of Gradient Boosted Trees and Fast Large Margin approaches. Later, phenolic acid concentration among the different plants was assessed using GC-MS analysis. Partial least squares regression analysis of Vis-NIR spectra and biochemical characteristics showed significant correlations in their respective changes. The results showed that handheld Vis-NIR spectroscopy combined with chemometric analyses could be used for the effective discrimination of GM and non-GM B. napus, B. rapa, and F1 hybrids. Biochemical composition analysis can also be combined with the Vis-NIR spectra for efficient discrimination.

Debunking Misinformation About Genetically Modified Food Safety on Social Media: Can Heuristic Cues Mitigate Biased Assimilation?

Focusing on debunking misinformation about genetically modified (GM) food safety in a social media context, this study examines whether source cues and social endorsement cues interact with individuals’ preexisting beliefs about GM food safety in influencing misinformation correction effectiveness. Using an experimental design, this study finds that providing corrective messages can effectively counteract the influence of misinformation, especially when the message is from an expert source and receives high social endorsements. Participants evaluate misinformation and corrective messages in a biased way that confirms their preexisting beliefs about GM food safety. However, their initial misperceptions can be reduced when receiving corrective messages.

Knowledge and attitudes toward genetically modified (GM) food among health sciences university students in Karachi, Pakistan

Purpose Genetically modified (GM) foods have global importance as they can significantly improve food security challenges. However, risks associated with the consumption of GM foods have affected consumers’ acceptance. This study aims to assess the student’s awareness regarding GM foods. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted to explore the knowledge and attitude of health sciences university students toward GM foods. Students (n = 400) from different academic disciplines were participated in the study. Findings The majority of the university students heard about GM organisms and GM food (67.5% and 60.8%, respectively) and have correctly defined GM foods (48.2%). The mean percentage score of knowledge and attitude toward GM foods among university students was 36.0 ± 29.4% and 29.8 ± 23.1%, respectively. No significant difference was observed in knowledge and attitude between undergraduate and postgraduate students. A significant difference was found toward the acceptability of GM food in students from different health sciences disciplines (p = 0.006). Originality/value The findings indicate that educational programs are needed to improve the knowledge of students about GM food and food safety challenges.

Correcting Misperceptions About Genetically Modified Food on Social Media: Examining the Impact of Experts, Social Media Heuristics, and the Gateway Belief Model

We experimentally test whether expert organizations on social media can correct misperceptions of the scientific consensus on the safety of genetically modified (GM) food for human consumption, as well as what role social media cues, in the form of “likes,” play in that process. We find expert organizations highlighting scientific consensus on GM food safety reduces consensus misperceptions among the public, leading to lower GM misperceptions and boosting related consumption behaviors in line with the gateway belief model. Expert organizations’ credibility may increase as a result of correction, but popularity cues do not seem to affect misperceptions or credibility.

Consumer perception, mandatory labeling, and traceability of GM soybean oil: evidence from Chinese urban consumers

ABSTRACT Consumer preference for the mandatory labeling of genetically modified (GM) foods promotes public support for the implementation of GM food policies. This study analyzes consumers’ preference for the traceability of GM soybean oil. Survey data were collected through a self-administered survey covering 804 randomly sampled urban residents in the eastern, central and western regions of China. Using a logit model, this analysis examines the impacts of influential factors on consumers’ preference for traceability. The results show that about 56.5% of the respondents have a positive preference for the traceability of GM soybean oil. Factors increasing the preference for traceability include a better perception of the attributes of nutrition benefit and potential health risk, perceived inadequacy of simple mandatory labels, more attention paid to food labels, and distrust in the agencies overseeing GM food safety. Enhancing consumers’ perceptions of GM-related attributes and awareness of food labels will help improve the mandatory labeling management of GM foods.

Food safety evaluation of papaya fruits resistant to papaya ring spot virus

Genetically modified (GM) papaya plant resistant to infection by Papaya Ring Spot Virus (PRSV) was successfully generated by cloning the coat protein (CP) gene of the PRSV. However, the food safety of GM foods remains controversial. This study assesses the food safety of two GM papayas, 16-0-1 and 18-2-4, and compares them with that of non-GM papaya, Tainung-2 (TN-2), using genetic and animal toxicity assays. Pulps of fresh papaya fruits were lyophilized and grounded before use. Three genotoxicity assays were performed: the Ames test of Salmonella typhimurium tester strains (TA98, TA100, TA102, TA1535 and TA1537); the chromosomal aberration of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells (in vitro); and micronucleus assays for mice (in vivo). Experimental results demonstrated that both non-GM and GM papaya fruits had no genotoxicity. Acute oral toxicity and 28-day repeated feeding toxicity tests for these papayas were performed via the oral gavage method for rats. All GM papaya fruit had no acute toxicity at a maximal dose of 5 g/kg body weight. Furthermore, the results of the 28-day study at 1 g/kg body weight in rats revealed no adverse-related effect in the body weight, feed consumption, hematology, blood biochemical parameters, organ weights and pathology in both GMs and non-GM papaya groups. In conclusion, PRSV-resistant papaya fruit lines 16-0-1 and 18-2-4 are comparable to their parent non-GM (TN-2) counterparts and are equivalent in food safety.

Impact of genetically modified food knowledge, environmental, and food safety concerns on purchase intention of genetically modified food in mediating role of perceived risk: An empirical study in Thailand

AbstractWith the increasing population of world, science has stepped into genetically modified (GM) food. This has been innovated not just to increase the quantity of food but to instill the desired characteristics in a natural food item. Yet, many people are not responding to such GM food positively by considering it unnatural and artificial. The purpose of this research is to assess the impact of environmental consciousness, GM food knowledge and food safety concern on purchasing intention of GM food items in the mediating role of perceived risks in Thailand. A questionnaire‐based survey was conducted in this regard from 298 residents of Thailand and the data were then analyzed on SPSS and AMOS. The results of structural equation modeling have proved that environmental consciousness and food safety concerns have significant and positive impact on purchase intention of GM food, but GM food knowledge has insignificant impact. Perceived risk has been found as a significant mediator in the relationship between all independent variables and purchase intention of GM food. The study is unique as impact of GM food knowledge was not seen in the past on purchase intention of GM food while the mediating role of perceived risk was also not tested before. This study will facilitate citizens and tourists of Thailand to decide about GM food for their better health.

Are science festivals a good place to discuss heated topics?

Public acceptance of vaccination and Genetically Modified (GM) food is low and opposition is stiff. During two science festivals in France, we discussed in small groups the scientific evidence and current consensus on the benefits of vaccination and GM food safety. Our interventions reinforced people's positive opinions on vaccination and produced a drastic positive shift of GM food opinions. Despite the controversial nature of the topics discussed, there were very few cases of backfire effects among the 175 participants who volunteered. These results should encourage scientists to engage more often with the public during science festivals, even on heated topics.

Personality traits, knowledge, and consumer acceptance of genetically modified plant and animal products

Several studies have investigated the associations between personality traits and consumer behavior, but little attention has been paid to the role of personality traits in the acceptance of genetically modified (GM) food products or knowledge concerning the application of GM technologies. We used a large Norwegian survey to investigate the associations between personality traits, knowledge about GM use in agriculture, attitudes, and willingness to pay (WTP) to avoid GM foods. Using a random effect interval regression model, we found premiums between 19% and 23% to avoid GM soybean oil, GM-fed salmon, and GM salmon. Neuroticism was associated with increased acceptance of GM soybean oil. Conscientiousness was associated with increased acceptance of GM-fed and GM salmon, and agreeableness was associated with increased aversion against these products. Conscientiousness and agreeableness were also associated with knowledge. Agreeable respondents were less likely to think that genetic modification was applied in Norwegian agriculture, and conscientious respondents were more likely to wrongly think so. Attitudes towards naturalness of foods were strongly correlated with increased WTP to avoid GM foods. Current policy restrictions concerning the use of GM technologies are likely to affect the perceived safety of GM foods. Information and more liberal regulations may change attitudes towards GM foods and reduce the resistance against GM technologies over time.

A crisis of consumers’ trust in scientists and its influence on consumer attitude toward genetically modified foods

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine Chinese consumers’ attitudes toward genetically modified (GM) foods and the impact that consumers’ trust in different actors – GM scientists, non-GM scientists or individuals, the government and the media, has on their attitudes. Design/methodology/approach Consumers in Beijing were surveyed about their attitudes toward GM foods and their trust in different actors. The surveys were conducted from June to July of 2015. The sample size is 1,460 people. Given the potential endogeneity of trust variable, bivariate probit models are employed to estimate the impact of trust in different actors on consumers’ attitudes. Findings The results show that 55 percent of the Chinese consumers are opposed to GM foods and nearly 60 percent do not trust GM scientists. In total, 42 percent of Chinese consumers trust in the government and 39 percent trust the non-GM scientists or individuals. Around 35 percent of consumers believe the misinformation on GM technology that were provided by the media. Trust in the GM scientists and trust in the government have a significant positive impact on consumers’ acceptance of GM foods while trust in the non-GM scientists or individuals and believing the misinformation have a significant negative effect on the acceptance. Nearly 70 percent of Chinese consumers acquired information about GM food safety from the internet or via WeChat. Consumers who acquired GM technology information from the internet or via WeChat are less likely to embrace GM foods than those who obtain information from other sources. Originality/value Consumer trust plays a crucial role to accept biotech products in the market and it is crucial for producers, policy makers and consumers to have faith in new biotech products. The results of this study suggest that the government and GM scientists should make more effort to gain the trust and support of consumers, while the media should provide objective reports on GM products based on scientific evidence.

Communicating highly divergent levels of scientific and social consensus: its effects on people’s scientific beliefs

ABSTRACTThis study examined the impact of presenting scientific and social consensus information together on people’s scientific beliefs when the two types of consensus information contradict each other. Japanese adults (N = 1,518) received information about high scientific consensus and low social consensus on the safety of genetically modified (GM) foods, information only about high scientific consensus, information only about low social consensus, or no consensus information. The presentation of only scientific or social consensus information had no effect on participants’ beliefs about the safety of GM foods, whereas the simultaneous presentation of scientific and social consensus information improved their beliefs in some degree. The effect of presenting scientific and social consensus information together was mediated by perceived scientific consensus.

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.

The Effect of Ideology on Attitudes toward GM Food Safety among Chinese Internet Users

This study explores the causal relationship between Internet users’ ideologies and their corresponding attitudes to genetically modified (GM) food safety. Using the 2015 Chinese Internet User Survey data (N = 3780) as a representative sample of Internet users from China, the study investigates factors influencing people’s attitudes to GM food safety. Multinomial Logistic Regression Models are applied to examine the effects of demographic features (gender, age, education, family annual income, location, CPC membership, and occupation) and ideological factors (general ideology, political ideology, economic ideology, and cultural ideology) on attitudes to GM food safety. The results demonstrate that the percentage of people whose attitude is that “GM food is risky” (35.1%) surpasses those who think “GM food is safe” (20.4%). The young generation respondents think that GM food is safe, while those with higher levels of income and education are more inclined to view GM food as risky. In addition, public sector employees tend to think that GM food is risky. Respondents characterized with right-wing ideology in general tend to regard GM food as safe, compared to left-wing ideologists. However, their attitude varies in different ideological dimensions of politics, economics, and culture. This paper contributes new insights into understanding ideological influences on science development and sustainability.

The gender gap on public opinion towards genetically modified foods

Ever since genetically modified (GM) foods were introduced into the food supply in the 1990s they have provoked debate and concern. The number of GM foods approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and offered on supermarket shelves has steadily grown at the same time that public wariness about the safety of GM foods has increased. Studies within the scientific literature show a strikingly large gender gap in attitudes towards GM foods with women consistently more skeptical than men. However, there have been few efforts to understand the determinants of the gender gap on GM foods within the political science literature. This study employs a 2014 Pew Research Center survey on science issues to test several possible explanations for the gender gap in attitudes towards GM foods rooted in the different life experiences of women and men. The results show that while being a parent predicts more skeptical views about genetically modified foods overall it does not explain the gender gap in attitudes. In contrast, knowledge about science and having confidence in science do play a significant role in mediating the gender gap. By exploring the robust and pervasive gender gap on the issue of GM foods, this study sheds light on the fundamentally different ways men and women approach political issues.

Cornell Alliance for Science Evaluation of Consensus on Genetically Modified Food Safety: Weaknesses in Study Design.

Cornell Alliance for Science has launched an initiative in which “citizen scientists” are called upon to evaluate studies on health risks of genetically modified (GM) crops and foods. The purpose is to establish whether the consensus on GM food safety claimed by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is supported by a review of the scientific literature. The Alliance’s citizen scientists are examining more than 12,000 publication abstracts to quantify how far the scientific literature supports the AAAS’s statement. We identify a number of fundamental weaknesses in the Alliance’s study design, including evaluation is based only on information provided in the publication abstract; there is a lack of clarity as to what material is included in the 12,000 study abstracts to be reviewed, since the number of appropriately designed investigations addressing GM food safety are few; there is uncertainty as to whether studies of toxic effects arising from GM crop-associated pesticides will be included; there is a lack of clarity regarding whether divergent yet equally valid interpretations of the same study will be taken into account; and there is no definition of the cutoff point for consensus or non-consensus on GM food safety. In addition, vital industry proprietary biosafety data on GM crops and associated pesticides are not publicly available and is thus cannot inform this project. Based on these weaknesses in the study design, we believe it is questionable as to whether any objective or meaningful conclusion can be drawn from the Alliance’s initiative.