Biotech Updates

Health and Environmental Concerns Influence Consumers’ GM Food Consumption

September 18, 2024

Consumer concerns over genetically modified (GM) food remain a pressing issue on a global scale. Understanding factors affecting the consumption of GM foods will help address public concerns about food safety, health risks, and environmental impacts. The study published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems aims to provide valuable insights into the views and attitudes of consumers on GM foods.

Using the stimulus-organism-response framework, researchers from Yangtze University and partners examined responses from 976 GM consumers in Ghana and China through online web surveys. The study investigated the effects of health and environmental consciousness on the perceived benefits and risks of GM foods and their implications on the consumption and buying frequency of consumers on GM foods.

The results of the study revealed that higher health and environmental consciousness is associated with higher perceived benefits and risks of GM food consumption. Higher perceived risks and benefits show a significant positive effect on their willingness to consume GM foods. Moreover, the study also showed that health and environmental consciousness have positive relationship toward willingness to consume. This data suggests that the consumers' attitudes and willingness to eat GM foods are shaped by health and environmental concerns.

The authors highlighted the need for targeted communication strategies to address consumer concerns and misconceptions about GM foods. It is also recommended for traders and policymakers to tailor their communication and promotional strategies to boost consumers' buying frequency. The findings of the study could facilitate the development of public awareness campaigns addressing the perception of consumers towards GMOs, and therefore, increase adoption rates in Ghana and China.

For more information, read the article from Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems.


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