Even as awareness of genetically modified (GM) foods remains low among US consumers, general support for GM crops is falling, according to a survey released today (October 15) by the Food Policy Institute at Rutgers University. However, "Public perceptions of genetically modified foods: A national study of American knowledge and opinion" also noted that merely mentioning the potential benefits of GM crops during the survey often increased approval ratings significantly.
"What we're seeing is an increase in uncertainty. The number of people who disapprove isn't growing. You have an increase of people who don't know taking away from the approval rating instead," said William Hallman, associate director of the Food Biotechnology Program at the Food Policy Institute.
"They're still in a place where their opinions are malleable. It suggests an opportunity to talk with them before they've made up their minds," he said.
Hallman led the telephone survey of 1200 ...
