CONSUMER PERCEPTIONS OF FOOD BIOTECHNOLOGY: EVIDENCE FROM A SURVEY OF U.S. CONSUMERS

This paper is a descriptive study of consumersÂ’' self-reported knowledge, assumptions, and acceptance of genetically modified foods in the U.S. These findings are based on a national survey of consumers. Our findings demonstrate a rather low level of awareness among most Americans about bioengineered foods. Most Americans tend to view the use of biotechnology in food production with guarded optimism. While a majority believe that biotechnology will benefit many people, they also feel that the dangers of genetic modification warrant strict regulation of the technology. In general, there is greater support for the use of this technology in plants than in animals and in order to bring tangible benefits to consumers.