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

Abstract

Purpose This 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/approach Three studies, one online projective survey using a convenience sample of consumers and two experiments conducted with Amazon mTurk adult US participants, are included. Findings Consumers 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/implications GM 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 implications Debates 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 implications Widespread 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/value With 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.

GMO Food Labels Do Not Affect College Student Food Selection, Despite Negative Attitudes towards GMOs

“…Previous research has demonstrated both that consumers, on average, hold negative attitudes towards GMOs [ 8 , 11 ] and that “free of” labels can exert different impacts on consumer behavior than “contains” labels [ 34 , 35 ]. Research by Lefebvre et al [ 36 ] found that the inclusion of GM labels stating the presence of modification reduced consumers’ purchase intentions and willingness to pay when compared to non-labeled products. Furthermore, consumers were more averse to animal products containing a GM label than vegetables, indicating a reduced acceptance of genetic modification for specific food types [ 36 ].…”

“…Research by Lefebvre et al [ 36 ] found that the inclusion of GM labels stating the presence of modification reduced consumers’ purchase intentions and willingness to pay when compared to non-labeled products. Furthermore, consumers were more averse to animal products containing a GM label than vegetables, indicating a reduced acceptance of genetic modification for specific food types [ 36 ]. Alternatively, research by Schouteten et al [ 37 ] found that consumers reacted similarly to products that did not contain a GMO label or contained a free of GMO label, indicating that consumers may assume that non-labeled products are GMO free.…”

An Experimental Evidence on Public Acceptance of Genetically Modified Food through Advertisement Framing on Health and Environmental Benefits, Objective Knowledge, and Risk Reduction

“…In this way, the scientifically demonstrated inventions in GM technology can unswervingly provide an advantage to the public as well as society [ 15 ]. For instance, GMF can provide healthier nutritious values to consumers, diminish food security threats, and increase environmental benefits to society [ 16 ]. Owing to GMF’s role in tackling food security issues, health, and environmental benefits, GMF producers, as well as many nations, have prioritized promoting GMF consumption [ 16 ].…”

“…The apparent elucidation of this phenomenon is that most consumers rely on expert opinions, media reports, and advertisements to acquire knowledge about GMF products’ benefits, as well as risks [ 21 ]. Hence, consumers tend to seek objective knowledge about innovative products’ usage, such as GMF, which leads them to information dependency [ 16 , 22 , 23 ]. Generally, experts’ opinions that are accessible to consumers are based on scientific product benefits and sometimes include risk factors as well.…”

Evolving challenges and strategies for fungal control in the food supply chain

“…, 2017 ). Concerning the use of GM approaches to achieve resistance, studies show that consumers would prefer to buy non-GM foods over GM foods ( Lefebvre et al. , 2018 ) and therefore careful, educational marketing is needed to promote widespread acceptance and implementation of these.…”