Labeling and information on genetically modified foods: transverse study in a population of Murcia (Spain)

Introduction: The acceptance of the Genetically Modified Foods comes determined by the knowledge that the consumer has of them. The aim of this study is to know if consumers of the Region of Murcia read the labels of the food, if they know the legislation on the transgenic, and if they believe that this food necessarily takes identification label. Material and Methods: Quantitative, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study with data collected prospectively designed. The variables were described by frequencies and percentages. For comparison of two independent samples, we used U Mann-Whitney. For the comparison of more than two independent samples Kruskal Wallis test was used. For hypothesis testing, between two qualitative variables, we used the Pearson chi(2). Results: Descriptive and bivariate data analyses obtained by surveying to sample of 567 subjects were performed. The results showed that a high percentage of the population check the label before buying a food and over 80% believe necessary to label transgenic foods. Although many of these consumers did not know what the law says about them (97.5%). Conclusions: The consumer of the Region of Murcia requires information on Genetically Modified Foods but makes little use of it is offered. It knows no law.