Public perception of genetically-modified (GM) food: A Nationwide Chinese Consumer Study

After more than 25 years of research and development on the genetic modification of a wide range of crops for food and fodder, China has reached a decision point as to whether it should accept, reject, or go slow with the use of genetically modified (GM) technology to produce the food and feed needed to sustain its population growth and economic renaissance. Here, we report a consumer survey on GM food that includes input from all provinces in China. Chinese consumers were surveyed for their awareness, knowledge, and opinion on GM food. The survey resulted in 11.9, 41.4, and 46.7% of respondents having a positive, neutral, or negative view on GM food, respectively. A minority of respondents (11.7%) claimed they understood the basic principles of GM technology, while most were either "neutral" or "unfamiliar with GM technology". Most respondents (69.3%) obtained their information on GM food through the Internet and 64.3% of respondents thought that media coverage was predominately negative on GM food. The reasons given by consumers in favor of, or against, the use of GM food, were complex, as seen by the response of 13.8% of respondents who felt GM technology was a form of bioterrorism targeted at China. China's Ministry of Agriculture and the science community generally expressed a positive attitude toward GM food, but the percentage of respondents that trusted the government and scientists was only 11.7 and 23.2%, respectively. Post-survey comments of respondents made suggestions on how the industrialization of GM technology might impact the future of China's food supply and value chains. Finally, the impact of emerging technologies like genome editing and genome-edited organisms (GEOs) on the GM food debate is discussed. Food safety: Inadequate knowledge underlies public scepticism about GM food Chinese consumers generally have limited understanding about genetically modified (GM) technology and this may explain their negative views about GM food. In a nationwide survey that covers all provinces of China, Kai Cui from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China studied public awareness, knowledge and opinions on GM food with colleagues. They found that most respondents hardly understand the basic principles of GM technology and are concerned about the safety of GM food. While respondents, in general, have a relatively low level of trust about information from the government or even scientists, the internet becomes the major source of information about GM food and technology, and the media coverage is perceived as predominantly negative. The results highlight the importance of strengthening communication and respecting public opinions for future development of GM technology in China.