Comparison of the Risk Perceptions of Italian and United States Consumers for GMO Foods

The effects of Italian and U.S. consumers’ risk perceptions, knowledge and awareness of GM foods, and trust in government agencies on willingness to buy GM foods is examined. Results indicated that effects of risk perception of GM foods to human health and the environment are quite similar between Italian and U.S. consumers. Higher levels of perceived risk decrease the likelihood of purchasing GM foods in both countries. Although similar, Italians were found to be more sensitive to the potential risks that GM foods may pose to human health and the environment, relative to the U.S. consumer. In general, Italians were also less likely to purchase GM foods relative to U.S. consumers. Comparison of the Risk Perceptions of Italian and United States Consumers for GMO Foods Genetically modified organisms (GMO) are defined as plant and animal products produced using a collection of scientific techniques that involves taking the genes from one plant or animal species and inserting them in another species to transfer a desired trait or characteristic. For agricultural producers, GM crops have led to reduced production costs, enhanced yields, and the potential for increased profits. Other potential benefits include reductions in pesticide and herbicide use, as well as the potential for enhanced nutritional value, flavor, and shelf life of some foods. These benefits have led to global expansion of GM foods. Despite the benefits of GMO’s, consumer acceptance throughout the world has been mixed, as consumers express concerns over potential safety and adverse environmental effects of GM foods. These concerns are believed to be due to consumer perception that GMO’s may have some long term or unforeseen health risks, as well as, the risk of negative effects on wildlife and the environment. Environmental concerns include the potential for biotech crops to interact with non-GMO plants, leading to contamination of organic crops and/or herbicide resistant weeds. The development of Bt resistant insects and other unanticipated harmful effects on non targeted organisms in the ecosystem are also frequently cited drawbacks of GMO’s. There are also concerns that foods with transplanted genes may cause allergic reactions in some consumers. Recent food crises in Europe such as “mad cow” and “dioxin chicken” have led to heightened health and environmental concerns among EU consumers (Soregaroli, Boccaletti, and Moro). These concerns have led to stringent controls of GM products in the European Union. The European Commission and Council of the European Union began developing regulatory policies for GM foods in the early 1990s. Increasing public and institutional distrust towards GMOs motivated the European Commission to develop legislation that adopts the “precautionary