IFIC
Survey Finds Brighter Consumer Outlook On Food Biotechnology
Consumer
attitudes regarding food biotechnology are increasingly positive
after a slight dip last fall. This is according to the latest
International Food Information Council (IFIC) survey of U.S.
consumers, conducted May 5-9, by Wirthlin Worldwide. Since last
October, consumers are somewhat more likely to buy foods that have
been enhanced to "taste better or fresher" (54 percent vs.
51 percent), or that have been modified for insect protection and to
require less pesticide spray (69 percent vs. 67 percent).
The
survey was conducted just after the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) reaffirmed it would not require mandatory
labeling of biotech foods. According to the IFIC survey, more than 2
out of 3 (69 percent) consumers support the FDA's labeling policy.
This confidence in the FDA position has remained relatively stable
over the past 3 years, despite increasing controversy about food
biotechnology. And although down slightly, 3 out of 5 consumers
still feel they will benefit from biotechnology within the next 5
years.
Sylvia
Rowe, president and CEO of IFIC, points out, "These results
also come on the heels of reports from the National Academy of
Sciences and the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science
assuring the American public of the safety and benefits of
biotechnology-produced foods." Eighty-seven percent of
consumers surveyed (up from 81 percent in October 1999) agreed that
education through toll-free numbers, brochures, and web sites would
provide better sources of information than food labels.
To
view the survey results, click
here
International
Food Information Council (IFIC) is a nonprofit organization that
communicates sound science-based information on food safety and
nutrition topics to health professionals, journalists, government
officials and consumers. IFIC's programs are supported by the
broad-based food, beverage and agricultural industries.IFIC
materials can be found online at http://ific.org
Copyright
2000 International
Food Information Council Foundation All Rights Reserved.
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