Correct on biotech?
While the majority of Americans are uncertain whether foods produced through biotechnology are in supermarkets, 37% correctly identified that they are in the supermarket, and 5% incorrectly stated that they are not.
FDA policy
Respondents were presented with the following explanation: “The FDA requires special labeling when a food is produced under certain conditions: When biotechnology's use substantially changes the food's nutritional content, like vitamins or fat, or its composition; or when a potential safety issue, such as a food allergen, is identified. Otherwise, special labeling is not required.”
Wish list
When asked open-endedly what types of information that would be, respondents said: Nutritional information (34%), ingredients (23%), biotech (18%), source/processing information (16%), food safety information (9%), other (4%), don’t know/refused (14%).
Satisfied customers
Most Americans are satisfied with the level of information provided on food labels.
Biotech familiarity
This question was prefaced with “As you may know, some food products and medicines are being developed with the help of scientific techniques. The general area is called 'biotechnology' and includes tools such as genetic engineering. Biotechnology is also being used to improve crop plants.”
Favorable or unfavorable?
More consumers (28% vs. 20%) are unfavorable toward plant biotechnology in 2014 than in 2012.
Willingness to purchase biotech foods
Healthful fats would be among the strongest motivators for purchasing biotech foods, followed reduced carcinogens (69%) and enhanced nutritional benefits (67%).