Perceptions and Attitudes of University Students of Five Mexican Public Institutions on the Labeling of Products Made with Genetically Modified Organisms

Abstract

Introduction:To know the perceptions and attitudes about the labeling of products made with genetically modified organisms (GMO), of students from five universities in central Mexico, in the following areas of knowledge: natural sciences, health sciences, chemical sciences, economic and administrative sciences and biological and agricultural sciences. Methodological design and approach: In the study, 2923 students answered a questionnaire with Likert scale of five questions. It is important to mention that the original questionnaire has 64 variables and 11 factors to measure the perceptions, attitudes, benefits and risks on the production and consumption of GMO. Results: Of the total sample 16.60% always read the labels, 85.70% agree that the label should show the characteristics of the product. 82.90% said that when making promotions should be reported on the label the characteristics of the product and finally 82.90% answered that the Mexican government should legislate a legal framework to regulate the mandatory labeling of products made with GMOs. Discussion or Conclusion. The sample only cover 5 Mexican universities. The relevant contribution of this research provides an empirical knowledge about the perceptions and attitudes regarding the labeling of products with GMOs content from a sample of the population of five public universities in central Mexico. This study is an important contribution for Mexican society, because there is no legal framework to regulate the labeling of products with GMO content and that it is essential to strengthen the training of university students with scientific information in this field. The labeling of products made with GMOs is generating relevant controversies worldwide, so it is important to know and spread the perceptions and attitudes of the sample considered in this study.