Consumer Attitudes Towards Genetically Modified Foods: A Comparison between Sweden and San Francisco

In comparison to European Union markets, where bans and protests have limited availability, genetically modified (GM) foods have entered United States supermarkets with little public opposition. This study compared attitudes towards GM foods in San Francisco versus Swedish consumers to determine if a difference exists. Previous studies have concluded that a difference exists although no study has directly and comprehensively compared the US with European attitudes. A short survey, modified from a questionnaire-based study conducted by Magnusson and Hursti (2002) in Sweden was administered to 112 people between January and April outside grocery stores in San Francisco. The results indicated similar trends in attitudes in San Francisco and Swedish consumers, although there were important distinctions in issues of health, control over consumption, and profit. Similar to Magnusson and Hursti’s study, men had more positive feelings towards GM products than women. San Francisco consumers had less moral doubt about eating GM foods than Swedish consumers although both were equally willing to purchase GM foods if they were healthier, better for the environment, cheaper, and better tasting. San Francisco participants scored considerably lower than their Swedish counterparts in the knowledge about biology and genetics. Within San Francisco, age and education seemed to have no effect on consumer attitudes. Additionally, a consumer’s belief in the percent of “GM foods” in a supermarket had no bearing on their attitudes. Gender was the only indicator that had an effect on consumer attitudes as women were more negative towards GM foods than men. Brian A. Yu Attitudes to GM foods May 9 2005 p.