ABC News conducted a poll on the skepticism of genetically
modified foods. This poll was conducted throughout the nation. The end result
was quite predictable with America favoring the concept of having all
genetically modified foods labeled. The reasoning for wanting GE foods
labeled is to aware buyers of what is “safe” to eat. 52% of Americans believe
genetically modified foods are unsafe, 13% are unsure, and the remaining third
believe GE foods are safe to eat. Regardless on views whether or not
genetically engineering of foods is safe or unsafe, 93% agree the FDA should
require labeling on all GE foods that have been genetically altered via
biotechnology.
As I
mentioned a few posts prior, big GE companies such as Monsanto are strongly
against this labeling, which from a business viewpoint is predictable since the
public will think twice before purchasing an item that reads it has been
genetically modified. When asked in the poll, 57% of Americans voiced to be
less likely to purchase foods that have been marked and labeled as genetically
engineered.
One
interesting statistic from the poll was 62% of women believe GM foods are
unsafe and 65% of women will be less likely to buy foods that have been GM
labeled, while only 40% men believe GM foods are unsafe to eat and 49% of men
will be less likely to buy food that has been labeled as genetically modified.
Limitation in this poll?
This poll
was conducted by ABCnews randomly, via phone among 1,024 adults in America from
June 13th-17th, 2012 using the following definition of
genetic engineering of foods “scientists can change the genes in some food
crops and farm animals to make them grow faster or bigger and be more resistant
to bugs, weeds and disease” while defining organic foods “without the use of
pesticides, chemical fertilizers or feed additives.” The above definitions are
not accurate representations of either foods, which could have strongly mislead
participants when asked their opinions. Although it is true Americans would
feel much comfortable eating foods that have been labeled, the AMA (American
Medical Association) has found no long-term, scientific justification for
why genetically engineered foods should be labeled.
Do you think this poll is a good representation of views on
genetic engineering of foods despite the lack of explicitly stating what GM
foods are? Why do you think women feel strongly about GM labeling than men?
Resources:
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=97567&page=1#.UJHK52k5x3I
I find it really interesting how there were differences among men and women in their choices of labeling GE foods. I would believe the percentages to be quite similar to each other (especially nowadays) but it's interesting that the women are more eager to know about GE foods than men. Also, with the definitions provided for organic food and GE food, I can see why some people may believe GE foods to be not as intriguing as organic food. If I were provided with those two definitions I would completely believe that GE foods should be labelled.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the poll results you posted, I completely agree with them. I believe that more people would object to genetically engineered food because processed and chemically enhanced food has many side effects. Many people, especially women would not prefer genetically engineered food because it can have a negative impact on one’s health. Once food is labeled genetically engineered many people would turn to organic food because of its naturalistic characteristics. I personally would prefer to consume organic foods compared to genetically engineered food. Reason being that natural food always will be beneficial for my health compared to processed food.
ReplyDeleteI am surprised that there is such a difference among women and men when it comes to opinions about GE foods.I personally do not think this poll is a good representation of views on GE foods because many people like you mentioned do not know what GE foods are. It is important for people to understand the benefits of GE foods as well as different side effects. Once they are fully aware of that, then the decision is their's to make. I am definitely a strong believer of having GE foods labelled because I believe in one of your earlier posts, you had mentioned that allergies are side effects for GE food so it is important to make sure what you are having.
ReplyDeleteIn this case I would agree with you that it seems the best route to go would be to require labeling of GE foods. While I remain someone who is unconvinced of the dangers of GE food, I do recognize that some people simply wish to stay clear of these food options. For this reason I think that some government organizations, be it the FDA or USDA, should begin to require products be labeled as GE if they fit some level of genetic engineering.
ReplyDelete