Genetically Modified Labeling Research Articles

Neither, either, or both? Who sees GM and non‐GM food labels?

AbstractThe US National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard mandates disclosures on foods containing genetically modified (GM) ingredients, while allowing voluntary non‐GM claims to coexist in the marketplace. Using cross‐sectional survey data, accounting for error term correlation and controlling for demographic variability, we describe the types of GM food labels seen by respondents and quantify the association of other label reading behaviors and demographic characteristics on seeing GM and/or non‐GM labels. The percent of respondents seeing both contains and does not contain GM labels increased between 2018 and 2021, with more respondents seeing non‐GM compared with contains GM labels each year. Estimated conditional probabilities reveal that time, other label reading behaviors, and attitudes are heterogeneously associated with seeing contains GM and non‐GM labels.

Establishment and Validation of Reference Genes of Brassica napus L. for Digital PCR Detection of Genetically Modified Canola.

As an effective tool for genetically modified organism (GMO) quantification in complex matrices, digital PCR (dPCR) has been widely used for the quantification of genetically modified (GM) canola events; however, little is known about the quantification of GM canola events using endogenous reference gene (ERG) characteristics by dPCR. To calculate and quantify the content of GM canola using endogenous reference gene (ERG) characteristics, the suitability of several ERGs of canola, such as cruciferin A (CruA), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (BnAcc), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEP), cruciferin storage (BnC1), oleoyl hydrolase (Fat(A)), and high-mobility-group protein I/Y (HMG-I/Y), was investigated by droplet dPCR. BnAcc and BnC1 were more specific and stable in copy number in the genome of Brassica napus L. than the other genes. By performing intra-laboratory validation of the suitability of ERG characteristics for the quantification of GM canola events, the ddPCR methods for BnAcc and BnC1 were comprehensively demonstrated in dPCR assays. The methods could provide technical support for GM labeling regulations.

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.

Do Consumers View the Genetically Modified Food Labeling Systems Differently? “Contains GMO” Versus “Non-GMO” Labels

This article fills the gap in literature by studying consumers’ perceptions of the genetically modified (GM) food labeling systems in China, in terms of the comparison between the mandatory “Contains GMO” and the voluntary “non-GMO” labels. Using a recent survey, we find that the mandatory “Contains GMO” labeling system is considered more important relative to the voluntary “non-GMO” labeling system, and factors driving the perceptions of the two systems are different. Consumers who have more objective GM food knowledge, higher concerns about the GM foods’ health effects, lower intentions to buy GM foods, and higher income perceive both labeling systems as more important than their counterparts. Consumers who believe that they have eaten GM foods without being aware of it consider the mandatory “Contains GM” labeling more important, while consumers who believe GM foods unsafe and oppose GM technology consider the voluntary “non-GMO” labeling more important. The results support the mandatory GM labeling system.

Factors that Influence Acceptance of GM Labels on Halal Food Among Muslim Consumers

Genetically modified (GM) foods are produced from the development of modern biotechnology and gene combinations of the same or different species. GM foods have become an important issue among Muslim consumers in consuming halalan toyyiban food produced from GM foods. This in line with the decision of Muslim consumers in the selection of halal food that is closely related to faith, religion, and culture in the Islamic society. Labeling on food packaging is an important indicator of every food product in the market by Muslim consumers to determine the halalness of a food product. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine factors that influence acceptance of GM labels on halal food among Muslim consumers. By using purposive sampling, 320 Muslim consumers were selected located in Klang Valley, Malaysia. An interviewer-administered questionnaire with the target consumers was carried out to obtain consumers’ responses. Several analyses were employed to analyze the data namely descriptive analysis, Chi-square analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and factor analysis. The results of this study revealed that the majority of Muslim consumers were not aware of GM labels on halal food. There were significant associations between age, education level, and monthly income and Muslim consumers’ acceptance of GM labels on halal food. The relationship between awareness and acceptance showed a weak positive relationship. This study also revealed labeling characteristics, religious belief, and health concern are the three factors that influenced Muslim consumers’ acceptance of GM labeling on halal food. This study emphasizes that a continuous encouragement to food manufacturers in providing and displaying proper labeling on food products would assist Muslim consumers to enhance their awareness and acceptance of GM labels.

Market simulations of consumer preferences for the introduction of GM tomatoes

Labeling of genetically modified (GM) foods has increasingly become a topic at the consumer and policymaker level. Using an online survey that included a conjoint analysis experiment, consumer preference for GM labeling on both fresh tomatoes and tomato plants was evaluated. Retailer (farmers market, grocery stores, mass merchandisers) sales and quantity sold were simulated to examine the impact of introducing GM labeling as well as certified GM labeling. Results indicate that retailers can increase revenues via price increases associated with the introduction of GM labeling.

Genetically modified crops’ environmental impact and trust in eco-labels

The U.S. Department of Agriculture expects companies to disclose genetically modified (GM) ingredients in foods and beverages by January 2022. While food companies fear that the stigma of GM labels could cause GM food sales to decline, eco-labeling could lessen the impact of GM-labeling. The results of the present research indicate that neither the eco-labeling alone nor the eco-labeling accompanied by information about the environmental benefits of GM crops influence consumers’ willingness to buy. Based on the mediation analysis, however, trust of eco-labels mediates the relationship between GM foods’ environmental friendliness information and consumers’ willingness to buy eco-labeled GM food. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

The mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods in Brazil: Consumer’s knowledge, trust, and risk perception

Since 2003, Brazilian-specific legislation has stipulated that foods containing more than 1% of genetically modified (GM) ingredients must provide information regarding their origin with an identification symbol on its label. The purpose of this study was to verify the knowledge of consumers concerning the mandatory labeling of foods containing genetically modified ingredients and analyze the possible motivations behind the willingness of the consumer to buy these foods in Brazil. Research was conducted on 224 consumers of different socioeconomic levels from Limeira, São Paulo (SP), Brazil. Consumers were asked about socio-demographic variables and were assessed for their knowledge of the symbol for genetically modified ingredients on food labels. Depending on the consumers’ answer about the symbol, they would be directed to a specific set of assertions. In the end, seventeen assertions were scored using a 5-point Likert scale to determine their profile. These assertions were categorized into five constructs: social trust, reduced price, perceived risk, perceived quality, and willingness to buy. This data was analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling. Most consumers (74.6%) did not recognize the symbol used in the mandatory labeling, although a younger age, a concern regarding GM foods, and a high level of education increased the chances of recognizing the symbol. Many of the consumers who were able to identify the symbol have found the GM labeling difficult to interpret. With regard to their willingness to buy GM foods, positive effects were observed for reduced price and perceived quality, while a negative effect was observed for risk perception. The effect of risk perception was moderated by social trust and perceived quality. These results indicate that although the Brazilian GM food label policy is aligned with similar policies in developed countries, it has been implemented without an adequate disclosure. The consumers had a high confidence with regards to the science and the government, reducing their risk perception. Our findings indicate that in order to improve the effectiveness of this food policy, the Brazilian Ministry of Health should invest in advertising the labels, targeting the elderly and individuals with lower levels of education.

Well informed Farmers and Consumers are positive about GM Crops in Europe and Africa


 
 
 Genetically modified (GM) crops are cultivated globally on more than 185 million hectares, but the use of GM crops in Europe and Africa is very limited. Politicians are reluctant to allow such crops because they fear negative public reaction. The political hostility in the EU towards GM crops also has a significant impact on how African policy makers form their opinions for accepting GM crops in their own countries. However, studies reveal that specific types of GM food are welcomed by consumers and that few Europeans avoid GM labels when buying food. Similarly, African farmers and consumers are generally positive about GM crops. Policy makers should take these results into account when a decision needs to be made on whether or not to allow GM crop cultivation in their country.
 KEY WORDS: ACCEPTANCE, AFRICA, CONSUMERS, EUROPE, FARMERS, GM CROPS
 
 

Signaling impacts of GMO labeling on fruit and vegetable demand.

Food labels may have both informational and signaling influences on consumer demand. We conduct a choice experiment with over 1,300 subjects to examine the signaling effect of the food product labels on consumer demand for other competing products in the market. Specifically, we focus on the genetically modified (GM) text labeling for fresh produce (strawberries, apples, and potatoes) in the United States. Contrary to some previous studies, our results indicate that the absence-claim label (Not-GM) does not have a negative impact on the demand for related conventional products. Instead, we find that consumer demand for unlabeled products is significantly enhanced with the introduction of presence-claimed GM labels. Our results contribute to the ongoing discussion of the enactment of mandatory labeling for GM foods by the federal U.S. government. Our results suggest that, in the case of direct text disclosure labels, consumers may no longer differentiate between unlabeled products and Not-GM-labeled products after the mandatory GM labeling law is in effect.

Well Informed Farmers and Consumers are Positive About Gm Crops in Europe and Africa

Genetically modified (GM) crops are cultivated globally on more than 185 million hectares, but the use of GM crops in Europe and Africa is very limited. Politicians are reluctant to allow such crops because they fear negative public reaction. The political hostility in the EU towards GM crops also has a significant impact on how African policy makers form their opinions for accepting GM crops in their own countries. However, studies reveal that specific types of GM food are welcomed by consumers and that few Europeans avoid GM labels when buying food. Similarly, African farmers and consumers are generally positive about GM crops. Policy makers should take these results into account when a decision needs to be made on whether or not to allow GM crop cultivation in their country.

Consumer perceptions of genetically modified foods: a mixed-method approach

PurposeThis paper aims to examine consumers’ opinions and behavioral intentions toward foods labeled as containing genetically modified (GM) (transgenic) ingredients across plant and animal-based categories. In light of marketplace changes (i.e. labeling requirements), we explore behavioral measures based on labeling options.Design/methodology/approachThree studies, one online projective survey using a convenience sample of consumers and two experiments conducted with Amazon mTurk adult US participants, are included.FindingsConsumers have negative associations with GM products vs non-GM and are more likely to purchase unlabeled GM products. GM products may offer positive economic, societal and environmental benefits. However, the need for labeling overshadows these benefits and presence of GM labeling increased avoidance. Furthermore, changes in product opinion mediate consumers’ purchase intention and willingness to pay.Research limitations/implicationsGM labeling negatively influences consumers’ opinions and behavioral intentions. This is important for legislators and marketers concerned with counter-labeling effects (e.g. Non-GMO Project Verified).Practical implicationsDebates on efficacy of labeling, inclusion disclosure of ingredients, short-term risks and long-term implications are ongoing globally. Consumer reception and purchase intention can only be changed through governmental and corporate transparency.Social implicationsWidespread misinformation about GM foods, presence in our food supply, impact on health, economy, environment and the marketplace still exists. The findings reflect consumers’ responses to changes proposed by the 2016 National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard legislation.Originality/valueWith the paucity of research on consumer response to the release of a GM animal product into the food supply, this work breaks new ground as the first to examine the impact of disclosure of GM animal-based food type.

Cultural worldview and genetically modified food policy preferences

After more than twenty years of persistent efforts to raise concern over the risk of consuming genetically modified (GM) foods, GM labeling proponents have more recently adopted the themes of: (1) environmental harm, (2) the collusion of big business and government, and (3) the “right to know” if food contains GM ingredients (Lendman, 2015). Proponents of mandatory labeling have been effective in mobilizing supporters around these themes which may influence individual-level support for different GM policy outcomes due to how these themes interact with a person’s cultural values. Consequently, we use cultural cognition theory to explore the relationship between cultural worldview and preferences for GM policy. Using a survey, we first examine the effect of cultural worldview on consumers’ preferences for voluntary and mandatory GM labeling programs. Second, using a choice experiment, we explore how cultural worldview influences consumer valuations of and willingness to pay for non-GM and GM food labels. Our results establish a reliable connection between cultural worldview and preferences for GM policy and preferences for GM labeling. As predicted by cultural cognition theory, the most dramatic differences exist between those with relatively egalitarian-communitarian and hierarchical-individualistic worldviews. Egalitarian-communitarians were 42% less likely to support change in the current voluntary approach and 79% more likely to support mandatory labeling than hierarchical-individualists; these individuals were also willing to pay about 67% more to avoid GM foods by purchasing products with a non-GMO label. Although important differences do exist, our research demonstrates that there is common ground and individual attitudes towards labeling can be mediated by cultural worldview.

Developing and implementing policy for the mandatory labelling of genetically modified food in South Africa

Like many other countries, South Africa has come under public pressure to introduce mandatory labelling for genetically modified (GM) foods. Although there is increased understanding of the social and political implications of GM labelling in developed countries, implications for the global South are still poorly understood. South Africa, as a country that consumes, produces and trades GM food, represents a fitting case study of these dimensions in the context of a developing economy. Via policy analysis, stakeholder interviews and document inquiry we offer an overview of the evolution of GM labelling, investigate the central influences on its development and implementation, determine the critical issues and identify the factors impeding or facilitating implementation. Our findings reveal that many significant events and decisions influenced the policy on mandatory GM food labelling in South Africa. They also suggest that several pertinent and problematic issues arose during its development as a result of the contentious nature of GM food labelling; stakeholder opinions, influences, and conflicted positions; and its practical complexity. Key implementation issues included divergent interpretations, and thus high levels of ambiguity; an inefficient National Consumer Commission; a lack of recourse for non-compliance; and the absence of a government-enforcement agency. Lower capacity in developing countries underscores the importance of a participation process that is believable by and inclusive of all actors. Stakeholders’ opinions about the policy development process were affected by their predetermined viewpoints about GMOs. Findings emphasise the influence of larger policy debates about the acceptability of GMOs on participatory processes, and the importance of contextualising GM labelling policies within such debates.
 Significance:
 
 The first review of the evolution of mandatory GM food labelling policy in South Africa is provided.
 A knowledge gap with regard to GM food labelling in developing countries is filled.
 The importance of procedural fairness in determining the degree of stakeholder satisfaction with policy decisions is revealed.

The interaction between country of origin and genetically modified orange juice in urban China

Although consumer preference for genetically modified (GM) food and country of origin (COO) labeling has been studied extensively, little research has examined the interaction effect between these two attributes. Previous research has demonstrated the importance of the interaction effect between food quality attributes. Moreover, production and international trade of GM crops are increasing simultaneously. As both mandatory GM and COO labeling can be used as non-tariff barriers, there is a need to better understand the interaction effect of GM and COO attributes on consumer preference. This study uses mall intercept surveys to investigate Chinese consumer preference for COO and GM foods, as well as the impact of COO on consumer preference for GM foods. A mixed logit model is estimated to incorporate the preference heterogeneity and correlation in the alternatives of a choice experiment (mixed logit + error component model). Results show consumers have a negative willingness to pay for GM orange juice from all countries, but the discounts associated with GM orange juice vary greatly; the discount for US GM juice is the lowest followed by that from Australia, China, Brazil, and Israel. Furthermore, consumer preference is more heterogeneous for GM juice than for conventional juice, implying more uncertainty regarding GM food quality from different countries.

Genetically modified labeling: The role of consumers’ trust and personality

AbstractDespite the USDA’s genetically modified (GM) regulatory approval process, many U.S. consumers still want GM foods labeled. Therefore, this research identifies how individuals’ trust in the ability of institutions to ensure the safety of food, their personality, and their demographics affects their desire for GM foods to be labeled. A survey was administered to 566 consumers to elicit their desire for GM labeling of sugar and sugar in soft drinks. Results of a bivariate ordered probit model suggest that less conscientious individuals, males, and individuals who have a greater trust in food manufacturers and the government to ensure the safety of food are less likely to desire GM labeling. Cluster analysis further identified market segments of individuals based on their level of desire for GM labeling. Results are informative to policy makers and GM technology participants. [EconLit Citations: Q18]

The Economics of GM Labeling and Implications for Trade

Abstract In this article, we model the effects of both voluntary and mandatory genetically modified (GM) food labeling on profits and consumer welfare. The non-GM firms weakly benefit from having the option to voluntarily label their product and will increase their quantities produced if labeling makes their non-GM product more valuable to consumers relative to the increased costs of labeling. GM producers make lower profits when non-GM firms voluntarily label because of increase in non-GM firms production. Mandatory labeling can be a different scenario. Costs of mandatory labeling are borne by the GM producers, and the benefits are reaped by the non-GM producers as it differentiates their product. We also consider the possibility that consumers will view the mandatory GM labels as a warning, such as a mandatory health label on cigarettes. The combination of increased costs along with decreased willingness to pay could be damaging to GM producers. The level of consumer concern about consuming GM food greatly affects the impact of labeling policies. Coordination of policies for a trade agreement will have different effects depending on consumer risk perceptions in that country and the number of GM firms.

Acceptance of disease-resistant GM rootstocks for non-GM fruit

The commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM) fruit trees is rare, limited to GM poplar with insect resistance grown in China and GM papaya with virus resistance grown in the USA and China. New biotechnological approaches like trans-grafting, which involves grafting a non-GM scion on a GM rootstock, are raising questions about the status of fruit obtained from such a chimeric plant. Whether non-modified upper stems grafted on GM rootstocks and their products must be subject to the GMO legislation is principally a legal and political question in addition to the scientific proof for absence of transgene in the scion. In the case of GM rootstock grafting, especially if we are targeting a root pathogen using RNA interference technology without any effect on endogenous genes or attempt to alter any traits in the scion, the fruit will not contain any novel genetic material and therefore should not be subject to GM labelling. We need to find out if the distinction between a product carrying genetic modification and a product without any modification but resulting from the use of GM techniques is important to the consumer. The dividing line between what is a GMO and what is not is becoming increasingly blurred. The development of new techniques demands greater clarity and perhaps new interpretations of the current legislation and regulations regarding GMOs.

To label or not to label: balancing the risks, benefits and costs of mandatory labelling of GM food in Africa

There seems to be growing controversy among interest groups worldwide about whether genetically modified (GM) foods need to be labelled. There are also growing concerns, particularly among civil society groups, about the potential danger of GM foods, for which labels are being demanded. Particularly in Africa, the issue of labelling GM foods requires attention due to the rapid growth of agricultural biotechnology initiatives. Using Kenya as a case study, and based on interviews with key agricultural stakeholders and a review of the literature, we present five points to consider in discussions on how the need for mandatory GM labelling should be assessed. This framework encompasses, and is underpinned by, important considerations about ethics, consumer autonomy, costs, stigmatization, feasibility and food security as they pertain to agricultural biotechnology.

‘If labels for GM food were present, would consumers trust them?’ Insights from a consumer survey in Uganda

AbstractFood labelling is costly. Food labelling is often demanded with the introduction of new food products such as genetically modified (GM) food. If consumers do not have trust in the label, scarce resources are wasted. This paper investigates factors affecting the trust in food labels among Ugandan consumers. The results suggest that older, less-educated individuals of smaller household sizes and with trust in government institutions have more trust in food labels. Other factors were also found to be important. The government has to consider those differences in consumer trust when designing a GM labelling policy.