Public Perceptions of Genetically Modified Food
9/21/2015
Public Perceptions of Genetically Modified Food
Cara L. Cuite, PhD Associate Research Professor Rutgers Cooperative Extension Department of Human Ecology
September 17, 2015
• Long before we began to understand evolution and genetics, humans have been improving plant and animal species through a variety of techniques, including selective breeding and cross breeding.
1
9/21/2015
Genetic Modification/Genetic Engineering • This process allows scientists to select specific genetic traits from one organism and insert them into the genetic code of another organism. – E.g., Inserting a bacterium gene into a corn plant, or an ocean pout gene into a salmon.
• This was not possible using conventional methods. • As a result, agricultural products can be improved in a faster, more accurate way.
What to Call this Process? • Genetic Engineering? • Genetic Modification? • Biotechnology? • What you call it matters. – 1/3 have no first thought or image related to the terms
• Biotechnology evokes the most neutral responses • GM and GE evoke more negative images
2
9/21/2015
What to Call this Process?
Most of the world refers to the technology as genetic modification (GM) and to its products as genetically modified organisms or GMOs.
Google Trend Search Results • • • •
Agricultural Biotechnology: Genetically Engineered: Genetically Modified: GMO:
~ 4,800,000 results ~ 5,140,000 results ~ 15,100,000 results ~ 82,100,000 results
3
9/21/2015
European Labeling • Pre-packaged products containing >.09% GMO ingredients, the list of ingredients must indicate "genetically modified" or "produced from genetically modified [name of the organism]."
US Labeling - Proposed Genetically Modified • Missouri • New Jersey • Rhode Island*
Genetically Engineered • • • • • • • • • •
Alaska Colorado Georgia Hawaii Illinois Kentucky Maine Maryland Massachusetts Minnesota
• New Hampshire • New York • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island* • Tennessee • Vermont • Washington • West Virginia
4
9/21/2015
“GMO” is politicized • GMO has been widely used by opponents of this technique as well as labeling advocacy groups.
Genetically Modified Foods or GM Foods
5
9/21/2015
How much of our food is GM?
6
9/21/2015
Rapid Adoption in the US • The United States remains the largest producer of GM agricultural products. • More than 181 million acres planted in GM crop varieties. • US harvests about 40% of the world's GM crops.
7
9/21/2015
US Crop Estimates - 2015 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
7
6
6
6
5 Conventional
77
94
94
12 4 Corn
79
Stacked Traits 95
Herbicide Tolerance BT
10 5 Canola
Soy
Cotton Sugar Beet
USDA/ ERS: Genetically engineered varieties of corn, upland cotton, and soybeans, by State and for the United States, 2000-2015
Other GM Crops in the US • Herbicide Tolerant Alfalfa • Virus Resistant Squash and Papaya
8
9/21/2015
GM Crops in the US (on the way) • Apples that resist browning • Potatoes that resist bruising and produce low levels of acrylamide when cooked at high heat
GM Crops (Approved but not Commercialized) • Herbicide-Tolerant Tobacco • Herbicide-Tolerant Rice • Herbicide-Tolerant Flax
• • • •
Virus Resistant Plum Color-Modified Rose Delayed Softening Tomato Male-Sterile Chicory
9
9/21/2015
Prevalence of GM Ingredients? 1. The U.S. government does not track nor trace GM ingredients. 2. GM varieties are sometimes mixed with non-GM varieties when stored. 3. Corn, soy, sugar, and canola are four of the most common ingredients in processed foods. 4. The majority of soy, corn, canola, and sugar beet used in processed foods is genetically modified.
Products that Might Contain GM Ingredients • Soda, juice, candy, cookies, sweet snacks, cereal, or any other product that contains corn components or corn syrup • Products with sugar from sugar beets – 54% of the sugar sold in the US • Food with soy-based flavorings, vegetable broth, hydrolyzed vegetable proteins, foods that contain gums or starches • Canola oil or products that contain canola ingredients • Products containing cotton seed oil
10
9/21/2015
GM Ingredients • Estimates are that as much as 80% of processed foods on US shelves contain “GM ingredients.” •
Bottom Line: Most of the processed foods you eat likely contain ingredients derived from GM crops.
• BUT…This is hard to determine exactly, because the refining of most oils, corn syrup, and sugar removes any DNA from the product. • So what is a GM ingredient?
RUTGERS SURVEY 1. What does the American public know about GM foods? 2. How does the American public feel about GM foods? 3. Do Americans want labels on GM foods?
11
9/21/2015
Survey Methodology • Conducted using GfK Custom Research online survey panel • Data collected October 23-27, 2013 • 1,148 respondents • Data weighted to project to the US population • Margin of error +/- 3.1%
Sample demographics 48.4% Women Mean age 50 years Education • 40% high school or less • 28% some college or associates degree • 32% bachelors degree or higher Ethnicity • 78% White, non-Hispanic • 7% Black, non-Hispanic • 10% Hispanic • 3% multi-racial and other
12
9/21/2015
Survey definition of GM foods • Recruitment materials did not mention GM. • Initial questions about reading food labels and information people thought should be on food labels. • Introduction to GM: “The remainder of this survey will focus on genetically modified foods. Genetic modification involves methods that make it possible for scientists to create new plants and animals by taking parts of the genes of one plant or animal and inserting them into the cells of another plant or animal. This process is sometimes called genetic engineering or biotechnology, and the plants and animals that result are sometimes called GMOs, or genetically modified organisms. Foods using ingredients made from these are often referred to as genetically modified foods or GM foods.”
Awareness of the Existence of GM Foods • Before this survey, were you aware that genetically modified foods existed? – 25% say no
Rutgers 2013 Survey
N=1148
13
9/21/2015
Heard or Read? • How much have you heard or read about genetically modified foods?
48%
• • • • •
A great deal 4% A fair amount 13% Some 33% Very little 29% Nothing at all 19%
• Refused 2%
Rutgers 2013 Survey
N=1148
How Much Do You Know? • How much do you know about genetically modified foods?
53%
• • • • •
A great deal 2% A fair amount 11% Some 32% Very little 32% Nothing at all 21%
• Refused 2%
Rutgers 2013 Survey
N=1148
14
9/21/2015
Ever Talked about GM Foods? • Have you ever discussed genetically modified foods with anyone? – 2/3 say no
Rutgers 2013 Survey
N=1148
GM Foods in Stores Now? • As far as you know, are there any foods containing genetically modified ingredients in supermarkets right now? – – – –
Yes 43% No 4% Don’t know 51% Refused 2%
Rutgers 2013 Survey
N=1148
15
9/21/2015
Perceived Availability of GM Foods Percent of 491 Consumers who said GM foods are available in U.S. Supermarkets
GM food products currently available in supermarkets
GM food products NOT currently available in supermarkets
Rutgers 2013 Survey
n=491
Ever Eaten GM Foods? • As far as you know, have you ever eaten any food containing genetically modified ingredients? – Only 26% say yes
Rutgers 2013 Survey
N=1148
16
9/21/2015
Do Americans Have Opinions About GM Foods? • Our survey shows that people say they do not know much about GM foods. – They are not talking or reading much about it.
• And why would they? • This doesn’t mean that they do not or should not have an opinion about it.
Public Opinions About GM Foods • Relatively uninformed opinions can be considered “uncrystallized.” • These opinions tend to be: – – – –
Not well thought through. Not strongly held. Subject to change. Influenced by the wording of questions.
• They are still important.
17
9/21/2015
Approval of GM - Plants
Approval of GM - Plants
18
9/21/2015
Approval of GM - Animals
Approval of GM - Animals
19
9/21/2015
20
9/21/2015
What is the Basis for Opinions of GM foods? • Would you say your opinion of genetically modified foods is based on a general feeling or specific issues? – – – –
General feeling – 50% Both – 34% Specific issues – 15% Refused – 1%
N=1148
21
9/21/2015
Issues of Concern
%
“Please put a check next to all the issues that are related to your opinion of GM foods.”
Beliefs about GM foods We know people aren’t reading or talking much about GM foods, but… • What are they reading about GM foods? • What stories or rumors have they heard? – If they haven’t heard them, how likely are they to believe them?
22
9/21/2015
KFC
23
9/21/2015
Decisions About The Veracity of GM Stories and Information
Hallman, Cuite, Morin, 2013
Decisions About The Veracity of Claims / “Facts”
Hallman, Cuite, Morin, 2013
24
9/21/2015
Attitudes about GM Food I prefer to buy organic foods when I can I would pay more for food that was NOT GM I think it is safe for me to eat GM food I am careful never to buy food with GM ingredients I don't care if the food I buy contains GM ingredients Foods labeled as organic should be allowed to contain GM ingredients Foods labeled as natural should be allowed to contain GM ingredients 0%
20%
Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Strongly Disagree
Refused
40%
60%
80%
100%
Somewhat Disagree
Note. “Unsure” was not offered as a response option
25
9/21/2015
Do Americans Think GM Foods Should Be Labeled?
Labels are not currently required • Based on the scientific evidence, the FDA has concluded that current GM crops are not substantially different from their conventionally bred counterparts, and thus do not require labels. • The FDA does require special labeling of a GM food when the characteristics of a familiar food product have been substantially altered. • E.g., if an allergen is introduced, or its nutritional qualities have been altered. • Even then the label doesn’t have to say GM.
26
9/21/2015
USDA Organic Standard • Products meeting the USDA organic standard are not permitted to contain GM ingredients.
Exceptions to organic rule • The organic standard does not apply to GM animal products.
27
9/21/2015
Voluntary program for label certifying as NOT containing GM ingredients
Label Reading • Beyond just looking at the brand name, how often do you read food labels?
18%
• • • • •
Always – 10% Frequently – 36% Sometimes – 36% Rarely – 14% Never – 4%
• Refused – 1%
N=1148
28
9/21/2015
Are GM Foods Required to be Labeled? • Are foods that contain genetically modified ingredients required by law to be labeled as such in the US? – Only 26% say no
Rutgers 2013 Survey
N=1148
Do Americans want GM foods labeled? • How you ask matters…
29
9/21/2015
Labeling Question 1 BEFORE MENTIONING GM FOODS • What information (if any) would you like to see on food labels that is not already on there? • No additional information needed—70% • • • • •
Presence of genetically modified ingredients – 7% Country/Place of origin – 6% Clearer information about ingredients – 4% More information about nutrition – 4% Others (each less than 2%)
Labeling Question 2 AFTER DEFINING GM FOODS • How important is it to you that the following information be on a food label? (very or extremely important) • • • • • •
Grown using hormones (63%), Grown using pesticides (62%), Raised using antibiotics (61%), Whether it was grown or raised in the United States (60%), Whether the product contains allergens (59%) Whether the product contains genetically modified ingredients (59%)
30
9/21/2015
Labeling Question 3 • Current regulations do not require genetically modified foods to be labeled in the US. Do you think that genetically modified foods should be required to be labeled? – Only 8% say no – 17% are unsure – 73% say yes
Rutgers 2013 Survey
What about other studies of GM labeling preferences?
31
9/21/2015
• National polls indicate that when asked directly “should GM/GE foods be labeled” more than 9 in 10 Americans say “yes”.
National Surveys of Public Opinion of GM Foods 100
% who say they want labeling
90 80 70 60 50
93
92
40
73
30
66
63
AP
IFIC
20 10 0 Reuters/NPR
CR
Rutgers
32
9/21/2015
National Surveys of Public Opinion of GM Foods 100
% who say they want labeling
90 80 70 60 50
93
92
40
73
30
66
63
AP
IFIC
20 10 0 Reuters/NPR
CR
Rutgers
National Surveys of Public Opinion of GM Foods 100
% who say they want labeling
90 80 70 60 50
93
92
40
73
30
66
63
AP
IFIC
20 10 0 Reuters/NPR
CR
No DK/Unsure response option
Rutgers
Has DK/Unsure response option
33
9/21/2015
Should GM Foods be Required to be Labeled? • Current regulations do not require genetically modified foods to be labeled in the US. Do you think that genetically modified foods should be required to be labeled? – Only 8% say no – 17% are unsure – 73% say yes
If not sure and refused are eliminated: 90% say yes
Rutgers 2013 Survey
What percentage of Americans want GM foods labeled? • • • •
7% 59% 73% Or higher?
It depends on how you ask.
34
9/21/2015
Who wants GM foods labeled?
What variables are related to belief that GM foods should be labeled? • Three separate logistic regression models – DV 1: Volunteered would like GM on label – DV 2: GM Labels important – DV 3: GM labels should be required
35
9/21/2015
What variables are related to belief that GM foods should be labeled? • Predictor variables in models: – Scale of Engagement with GM foods (aware GM existed, ever discussed, heard or read, self-assessed knowledge, awareness sold in stores, awareness GM labels not required, alpha =.82) – Scale of approval of plant-based and animal-based GM foods (alpha = .80) – Rating of safety of GM food – Opinion is based on specific issue vs. general feeling
• Demographic variables – – – –
Age Gender Education Ethnicity
Logistic regression models DV1: Volunteered GM on labels
DV2: GM Labeling is important
DV3: GM foods should be labeled
B
Wald
OR
B
Wald.
OR
B
Wald
OR
Engagement scale
.445
33.992
1.560***
.076
3.705
1.078
.010
.048
1.010
Disapproval scale
1.163
20.418
3.199***
.612
30.230
1.843***
1.078
44.377
2.939***
.598
8.022
1.818**
.919
57.359
2.506***
.948
38.656
2.580***
-.071
.051
.931
.263
2.226
1.301
-.567
7.114
.567**
Gender
.236
.757
1.267
-.399
6.236
.671*
.129
.429
1.138
Ethnicity
.111
.103
1.117
.329
2.346
1.389
.287
1.146
1.332
Age
-.020
4.965
.980*
.011
4.760
1.011*
.011
3.328
1.011
29.794
**
GM unsafe Opinion based on specific issue
Education -7.430
Constant Cox & Snell
51.833
R2
.001 .205
11.477 -3.942
39.915
10.328 .019 .257
-2.233
10.410
.107 .231
Note. * p
Public Perceptions of Genetically Modified Food
Cara L. Cuite, PhD Associate Research Professor Rutgers Cooperative Extension Department of Human Ecology
September 17, 2015
• Long before we began to understand evolution and genetics, humans have been improving plant and animal species through a variety of techniques, including selective breeding and cross breeding.
1
9/21/2015
Genetic Modification/Genetic Engineering • This process allows scientists to select specific genetic traits from one organism and insert them into the genetic code of another organism. – E.g., Inserting a bacterium gene into a corn plant, or an ocean pout gene into a salmon.
• This was not possible using conventional methods. • As a result, agricultural products can be improved in a faster, more accurate way.
What to Call this Process? • Genetic Engineering? • Genetic Modification? • Biotechnology? • What you call it matters. – 1/3 have no first thought or image related to the terms
• Biotechnology evokes the most neutral responses • GM and GE evoke more negative images
2
9/21/2015
What to Call this Process?
Most of the world refers to the technology as genetic modification (GM) and to its products as genetically modified organisms or GMOs.
Google Trend Search Results • • • •
Agricultural Biotechnology: Genetically Engineered: Genetically Modified: GMO:
~ 4,800,000 results ~ 5,140,000 results ~ 15,100,000 results ~ 82,100,000 results
3
9/21/2015
European Labeling • Pre-packaged products containing >.09% GMO ingredients, the list of ingredients must indicate "genetically modified" or "produced from genetically modified [name of the organism]."
US Labeling - Proposed Genetically Modified • Missouri • New Jersey • Rhode Island*
Genetically Engineered • • • • • • • • • •
Alaska Colorado Georgia Hawaii Illinois Kentucky Maine Maryland Massachusetts Minnesota
• New Hampshire • New York • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island* • Tennessee • Vermont • Washington • West Virginia
4
9/21/2015
“GMO” is politicized • GMO has been widely used by opponents of this technique as well as labeling advocacy groups.
Genetically Modified Foods or GM Foods
5
9/21/2015
How much of our food is GM?
6
9/21/2015
Rapid Adoption in the US • The United States remains the largest producer of GM agricultural products. • More than 181 million acres planted in GM crop varieties. • US harvests about 40% of the world's GM crops.
7
9/21/2015
US Crop Estimates - 2015 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
7
6
6
6
5 Conventional
77
94
94
12 4 Corn
79
Stacked Traits 95
Herbicide Tolerance BT
10 5 Canola
Soy
Cotton Sugar Beet
USDA/ ERS: Genetically engineered varieties of corn, upland cotton, and soybeans, by State and for the United States, 2000-2015
Other GM Crops in the US • Herbicide Tolerant Alfalfa • Virus Resistant Squash and Papaya
8
9/21/2015
GM Crops in the US (on the way) • Apples that resist browning • Potatoes that resist bruising and produce low levels of acrylamide when cooked at high heat
GM Crops (Approved but not Commercialized) • Herbicide-Tolerant Tobacco • Herbicide-Tolerant Rice • Herbicide-Tolerant Flax
• • • •
Virus Resistant Plum Color-Modified Rose Delayed Softening Tomato Male-Sterile Chicory
9
9/21/2015
Prevalence of GM Ingredients? 1. The U.S. government does not track nor trace GM ingredients. 2. GM varieties are sometimes mixed with non-GM varieties when stored. 3. Corn, soy, sugar, and canola are four of the most common ingredients in processed foods. 4. The majority of soy, corn, canola, and sugar beet used in processed foods is genetically modified.
Products that Might Contain GM Ingredients • Soda, juice, candy, cookies, sweet snacks, cereal, or any other product that contains corn components or corn syrup • Products with sugar from sugar beets – 54% of the sugar sold in the US • Food with soy-based flavorings, vegetable broth, hydrolyzed vegetable proteins, foods that contain gums or starches • Canola oil or products that contain canola ingredients • Products containing cotton seed oil
10
9/21/2015
GM Ingredients • Estimates are that as much as 80% of processed foods on US shelves contain “GM ingredients.” •
Bottom Line: Most of the processed foods you eat likely contain ingredients derived from GM crops.
• BUT…This is hard to determine exactly, because the refining of most oils, corn syrup, and sugar removes any DNA from the product. • So what is a GM ingredient?
RUTGERS SURVEY 1. What does the American public know about GM foods? 2. How does the American public feel about GM foods? 3. Do Americans want labels on GM foods?
11
9/21/2015
Survey Methodology • Conducted using GfK Custom Research online survey panel • Data collected October 23-27, 2013 • 1,148 respondents • Data weighted to project to the US population • Margin of error +/- 3.1%
Sample demographics 48.4% Women Mean age 50 years Education • 40% high school or less • 28% some college or associates degree • 32% bachelors degree or higher Ethnicity • 78% White, non-Hispanic • 7% Black, non-Hispanic • 10% Hispanic • 3% multi-racial and other
12
9/21/2015
Survey definition of GM foods • Recruitment materials did not mention GM. • Initial questions about reading food labels and information people thought should be on food labels. • Introduction to GM: “The remainder of this survey will focus on genetically modified foods. Genetic modification involves methods that make it possible for scientists to create new plants and animals by taking parts of the genes of one plant or animal and inserting them into the cells of another plant or animal. This process is sometimes called genetic engineering or biotechnology, and the plants and animals that result are sometimes called GMOs, or genetically modified organisms. Foods using ingredients made from these are often referred to as genetically modified foods or GM foods.”
Awareness of the Existence of GM Foods • Before this survey, were you aware that genetically modified foods existed? – 25% say no
Rutgers 2013 Survey
N=1148
13
9/21/2015
Heard or Read? • How much have you heard or read about genetically modified foods?
48%
• • • • •
A great deal 4% A fair amount 13% Some 33% Very little 29% Nothing at all 19%
• Refused 2%
Rutgers 2013 Survey
N=1148
How Much Do You Know? • How much do you know about genetically modified foods?
53%
• • • • •
A great deal 2% A fair amount 11% Some 32% Very little 32% Nothing at all 21%
• Refused 2%
Rutgers 2013 Survey
N=1148
14
9/21/2015
Ever Talked about GM Foods? • Have you ever discussed genetically modified foods with anyone? – 2/3 say no
Rutgers 2013 Survey
N=1148
GM Foods in Stores Now? • As far as you know, are there any foods containing genetically modified ingredients in supermarkets right now? – – – –
Yes 43% No 4% Don’t know 51% Refused 2%
Rutgers 2013 Survey
N=1148
15
9/21/2015
Perceived Availability of GM Foods Percent of 491 Consumers who said GM foods are available in U.S. Supermarkets
GM food products currently available in supermarkets
GM food products NOT currently available in supermarkets
Rutgers 2013 Survey
n=491
Ever Eaten GM Foods? • As far as you know, have you ever eaten any food containing genetically modified ingredients? – Only 26% say yes
Rutgers 2013 Survey
N=1148
16
9/21/2015
Do Americans Have Opinions About GM Foods? • Our survey shows that people say they do not know much about GM foods. – They are not talking or reading much about it.
• And why would they? • This doesn’t mean that they do not or should not have an opinion about it.
Public Opinions About GM Foods • Relatively uninformed opinions can be considered “uncrystallized.” • These opinions tend to be: – – – –
Not well thought through. Not strongly held. Subject to change. Influenced by the wording of questions.
• They are still important.
17
9/21/2015
Approval of GM - Plants
Approval of GM - Plants
18
9/21/2015
Approval of GM - Animals
Approval of GM - Animals
19
9/21/2015
20
9/21/2015
What is the Basis for Opinions of GM foods? • Would you say your opinion of genetically modified foods is based on a general feeling or specific issues? – – – –
General feeling – 50% Both – 34% Specific issues – 15% Refused – 1%
N=1148
21
9/21/2015
Issues of Concern
%
“Please put a check next to all the issues that are related to your opinion of GM foods.”
Beliefs about GM foods We know people aren’t reading or talking much about GM foods, but… • What are they reading about GM foods? • What stories or rumors have they heard? – If they haven’t heard them, how likely are they to believe them?
22
9/21/2015
KFC
23
9/21/2015
Decisions About The Veracity of GM Stories and Information
Hallman, Cuite, Morin, 2013
Decisions About The Veracity of Claims / “Facts”
Hallman, Cuite, Morin, 2013
24
9/21/2015
Attitudes about GM Food I prefer to buy organic foods when I can I would pay more for food that was NOT GM I think it is safe for me to eat GM food I am careful never to buy food with GM ingredients I don't care if the food I buy contains GM ingredients Foods labeled as organic should be allowed to contain GM ingredients Foods labeled as natural should be allowed to contain GM ingredients 0%
20%
Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Strongly Disagree
Refused
40%
60%
80%
100%
Somewhat Disagree
Note. “Unsure” was not offered as a response option
25
9/21/2015
Do Americans Think GM Foods Should Be Labeled?
Labels are not currently required • Based on the scientific evidence, the FDA has concluded that current GM crops are not substantially different from their conventionally bred counterparts, and thus do not require labels. • The FDA does require special labeling of a GM food when the characteristics of a familiar food product have been substantially altered. • E.g., if an allergen is introduced, or its nutritional qualities have been altered. • Even then the label doesn’t have to say GM.
26
9/21/2015
USDA Organic Standard • Products meeting the USDA organic standard are not permitted to contain GM ingredients.
Exceptions to organic rule • The organic standard does not apply to GM animal products.
27
9/21/2015
Voluntary program for label certifying as NOT containing GM ingredients
Label Reading • Beyond just looking at the brand name, how often do you read food labels?
18%
• • • • •
Always – 10% Frequently – 36% Sometimes – 36% Rarely – 14% Never – 4%
• Refused – 1%
N=1148
28
9/21/2015
Are GM Foods Required to be Labeled? • Are foods that contain genetically modified ingredients required by law to be labeled as such in the US? – Only 26% say no
Rutgers 2013 Survey
N=1148
Do Americans want GM foods labeled? • How you ask matters…
29
9/21/2015
Labeling Question 1 BEFORE MENTIONING GM FOODS • What information (if any) would you like to see on food labels that is not already on there? • No additional information needed—70% • • • • •
Presence of genetically modified ingredients – 7% Country/Place of origin – 6% Clearer information about ingredients – 4% More information about nutrition – 4% Others (each less than 2%)
Labeling Question 2 AFTER DEFINING GM FOODS • How important is it to you that the following information be on a food label? (very or extremely important) • • • • • •
Grown using hormones (63%), Grown using pesticides (62%), Raised using antibiotics (61%), Whether it was grown or raised in the United States (60%), Whether the product contains allergens (59%) Whether the product contains genetically modified ingredients (59%)
30
9/21/2015
Labeling Question 3 • Current regulations do not require genetically modified foods to be labeled in the US. Do you think that genetically modified foods should be required to be labeled? – Only 8% say no – 17% are unsure – 73% say yes
Rutgers 2013 Survey
What about other studies of GM labeling preferences?
31
9/21/2015
• National polls indicate that when asked directly “should GM/GE foods be labeled” more than 9 in 10 Americans say “yes”.
National Surveys of Public Opinion of GM Foods 100
% who say they want labeling
90 80 70 60 50
93
92
40
73
30
66
63
AP
IFIC
20 10 0 Reuters/NPR
CR
Rutgers
32
9/21/2015
National Surveys of Public Opinion of GM Foods 100
% who say they want labeling
90 80 70 60 50
93
92
40
73
30
66
63
AP
IFIC
20 10 0 Reuters/NPR
CR
Rutgers
National Surveys of Public Opinion of GM Foods 100
% who say they want labeling
90 80 70 60 50
93
92
40
73
30
66
63
AP
IFIC
20 10 0 Reuters/NPR
CR
No DK/Unsure response option
Rutgers
Has DK/Unsure response option
33
9/21/2015
Should GM Foods be Required to be Labeled? • Current regulations do not require genetically modified foods to be labeled in the US. Do you think that genetically modified foods should be required to be labeled? – Only 8% say no – 17% are unsure – 73% say yes
If not sure and refused are eliminated: 90% say yes
Rutgers 2013 Survey
What percentage of Americans want GM foods labeled? • • • •
7% 59% 73% Or higher?
It depends on how you ask.
34
9/21/2015
Who wants GM foods labeled?
What variables are related to belief that GM foods should be labeled? • Three separate logistic regression models – DV 1: Volunteered would like GM on label – DV 2: GM Labels important – DV 3: GM labels should be required
35
9/21/2015
What variables are related to belief that GM foods should be labeled? • Predictor variables in models: – Scale of Engagement with GM foods (aware GM existed, ever discussed, heard or read, self-assessed knowledge, awareness sold in stores, awareness GM labels not required, alpha =.82) – Scale of approval of plant-based and animal-based GM foods (alpha = .80) – Rating of safety of GM food – Opinion is based on specific issue vs. general feeling
• Demographic variables – – – –
Age Gender Education Ethnicity
Logistic regression models DV1: Volunteered GM on labels
DV2: GM Labeling is important
DV3: GM foods should be labeled
B
Wald
OR
B
Wald.
OR
B
Wald
OR
Engagement scale
.445
33.992
1.560***
.076
3.705
1.078
.010
.048
1.010
Disapproval scale
1.163
20.418
3.199***
.612
30.230
1.843***
1.078
44.377
2.939***
.598
8.022
1.818**
.919
57.359
2.506***
.948
38.656
2.580***
-.071
.051
.931
.263
2.226
1.301
-.567
7.114
.567**
Gender
.236
.757
1.267
-.399
6.236
.671*
.129
.429
1.138
Ethnicity
.111
.103
1.117
.329
2.346
1.389
.287
1.146
1.332
Age
-.020
4.965
.980*
.011
4.760
1.011*
.011
3.328
1.011
29.794
**
GM unsafe Opinion based on specific issue
Education -7.430
Constant Cox & Snell
51.833
R2
.001 .205
11.477 -3.942
39.915
10.328 .019 .257
-2.233
10.410
.107 .231
Note. * p
