Biotech Updates

Study Reveals Public Perceptions of Genetically Engineered Nutraceuticals

November 9, 2016

A study conducted by researchers in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) looked at public attitudes and purchase intentions for genetically engineered (GE) nutraceuticals that either offer general health benefits or a treatment/cure for diseases.

GE nutraceuticals include foods associated with increased health benefits and/or disease prevention, and plants and animal products that could be used to create vaccines and drugs to treat or cure diseases.

The results showed that majority of the respondents view GM food products favorably, but they prefer GM labeling. Over 60% of the respondents were equally willing to purchase GE nutraceuticals that offered treatment for diseases, versus GE nutraceuticals that offered general health benefits. Overall, the majority of respondents expressed willingness to purchase GE nutraceuticals developed to treat an illness, improve health, and prevent diseases.

More details are available at the UNL website.