Indonesian Scientists on Biotech Foods

Consumer concerns seriously jeopardize the future market success of modern biotechnology products, including genetically modified (GM) food products. Scientists are themselves a consumer group. However, compared to general consumers, scientists are more knowledgeable about GM foods. Scientists are also expected to provide information for decision makers with regards to policy related to GM products. Furthermore, they are also the first group to react if any unsafe GM food enters the market. Indirectly, they help all consumers to be protected.

A study to assess the attitudes of scientists (i.e. whether they agree or disagree) about GM foods, and associated matters was conducted by researchers of  the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education, Tropical Medicine and Public Health Network and the Research Triangle Institute, Indonesia. They found that of 400 scientists from Bogor Agricultural University,  84% believed their peers to be capable of assessing the benefits and risks of GM foods. Most of them (72%) disagreed that the likely risks of GM foods are greater than the benefits. The author also suggests that scientists and other relevant parties can be expected to persuade government about the need for food labeling regulations. 

Further study is recommended to address labeling issues as they affect scientists and consumers. The abstract of this research can be found at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17468097 or send email to J. Februhartanty at jfebruhartanty@seameo-rccn.org for more details. For information on biotechnology in Indonesia, contact Dewi Suryani at dewisuryani@biotrop.org