CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE OF GENETICALLY MODIFICED FOODS: A COMPARISON BETWEEN THE US AND CHINA

Consumer attitudes towards genetically modified foods (GMFs) play a crucial role in the development of the technology. Both government and food manufacturers of agricultural products in the US and China are optimistic about the potential market for these foods. This paper compares two national consumer surveys conducted in the US and China. To determine if influential factors are driving consumers' attitudes towards GM plant and animal products in both countries a binary logic model is used. Findings suggest that for the majority of American and Chinese consumers while their overall knowledge of GM food is low, their attitudes toward the technology are generally supportive. Consumers in both countries are more accepting of GM plant products then GM animal products. Interestingly, gender, living place, and awareness of GM foods have similar significant effects for both countries.