Consumer Perceptions of Biotech Foods

WASHINGTON, D.C. A new survey from The International Food Information Council (IFIC), Consumer Perceptions of Food Technology & Sustainability" shows that 74 percent have some awareness of plant biotechnology and almost 40 percent are favorable toward the use of biotechnology in food production. As for what kinds of biotech foods they would buy, 77 percent indicated they would be somewhat or very likely to purchase foods produced through biotechnology that required fewer pesticide applications; and 71 percent indicated they would likely purchase biotech foods that provided more healthful fats, such as Omega-3 fatty acids.

IFIC also present participants with FDA's current labeling policy for foods produced using biotechnology. Sixty-six percent indicated for their support of the policy, which calls for labeling only when the food's nutritional content, itr composition is changed, or when a safety issue is identified.  Further, seventy-six percent could not think of any additional information (other than what is already required) that they wish to see on food labels. Of the 24 percent who wanted more information, 36 percent wanted information related to nutritional content; 19 percent wanted more information about ingredients; and 18 percent wanted more food safety related information, such as possible allergens. Only three percent of the 24 percent subset (or about five people and less than one percent of all surveyed) wanted more information about biotechnology. In addition, eighty-seven percent of Americans say they have not taken any action out of concern about biotechnology.

They survey also gauged consumer perceptions of sustainability. Most consumers (69 percent) say it is important that foods they purchase or consume are produced in a sustainable way. However, only 33 percent of consumers say they are willing to pay more for products that fit their concept of sustainability.