Consumer Knowledge of Food Biotechnology A Descriptive Study of U.S. Residents

A national survey conducted by the Food Policy Institute demonstrates the lack of knowledge and awareness most Americans have of genetically modified foods. The paper provides insight into public perceptions of food biotechnology’s risks and benefits and a preliminary examination of consumers ’ stated preferences for genetically modified functional foods. Key Words: agricultural biotechnology, genetically modified food, public perceptions, nutraceuticals. 1 The terms food biotechnology, agricultural biotechnology, and genetically modified (or GM) foods are used interchangeably in this paper.-1