The impact of biotechnology knowledge on the acceptance of genetically modified food in Serbia

Abstract

The overall goal of this paper is to identify the perception and attitudes of Serbian consumers toward genetically modified (GM) food. In particular, the relationships between acceptance of GM food and knowledge about biotechnology were analysed. A survey was conducted with 500 consumers in order to analyse respondents' knowledge about biotechnology(true/false 'quiz'), consumers' perceived benefits, consumers' perceived risks, trust andwillingness to consume and buy GM food. Data obtained from a survey were analysed using univariate and multivariate analysis using the statistical software SPSS. The knowledge ofSerbian consumers about biotechnology is relatively low. This maybe affects the negative attitude about GM food. Rejection of GM food is mostly associated with possible adverse effects on human health, together with moral and ethical issues and distrust in companies which produce GM food. High share of responders also expressed concern for the environment as well as distrust in state authorities and scientific analysis. © 2013 University of Bucharest.