Currently, the United States has a voluntary labeling policy for food products that contain genetically modified (GM) ingredients. Yet, in surveys, consumers consistently say they want GM foods to be labeled. Does the current labeling policy in the U.S. deny consumers their 'right to know' and freedom of choice?

Consumers may value certain genetically modified food product attributes such as the technologies gene source or product benefit category more than others. Implications for the food industry are discussed based on how consumer value for these attributes varies across product-types such as a fresh product or processed product or an animal-based product.

How well do attitudinal studies towards genetically modified (GM) foods reflect actual consumer behaviour? This paper examines the evidence, from Australia, where labelled GM foods have been around since December 2001, to find if consumer concerns and stated survey behaviours really reflect actual behaviours towards purchasing and eating GM foods.

Genetically engineered (GE) salmon will test consumer acceptance of GE foods. We examined consumer response to fact sheets about GE salmon built on public policy education concepts. We found that information on possible consequences of FDA approval of GE salmon had greater positive impact on participants than interest group viewpoints.

Americans are unaware of the presence of GM foods in their lives and diets and uninformed about the science, regulation, and events surrounding it. Americans have not yet made up their minds about GM food and their opinions are weakly held, poorly formed, and highly malleable; creating opportunities for education.

International differences in public opinion about GM foods appear to represent a clash of cultures, politics, and policies. This article briefly discusses some differences in consumer attitudes and policy around the world, and suggests possible reasons why these differences exist.

For Americans, agricultural biotechnology is a complex, abstract concept for which mass media are a principle source of information. Although some thematic media coverage focuses on risks, coverage most often discusses neither risks nor benefits. To better inform the public, media must frame agricultural biotechnology in ways relevant to readers.

By uniting agricultural biotechnologies with medicinal and industrial processes, plant molecular farming (PMF) has aroused controversy among many stakeholders including farmers, PMF companies, food processors, academics, and patient groups. In this article, early public and stakeholder assessments of PMF are outlined, along with the implications for policymaking.

This study evaluates factors driving consumer approval and acceptance of plant and animal genetic modification (GM). Results suggest that the public is relatively more approving of plant-based genetic modifications than animal-based genetic modifications. Furthermore, demographic, socio-economic, consumer value attributes, and trust in key stakeholders help drive acceptance of genetic modification.