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Study shows decreasing US consumer acceptance of GM foods

A recent study by Cornell University researchers shows that US consumer acceptance of genetically modified foods is decreasing. The study found that 38 percent of consumers viewed GM foods as a high risk, an 11 percent increase from the 27 percent who said they were skeptical of GM foods in a similar 2003 study.

“Depending on whom you ask, the technology is either beneficial or has negative effects on health and environment,” said James Shanahan, associate professor of communication at Cornell and lead researcher of the study. “Our study, which consisted of seven data sets, finds continuing ambivalence about GE foods,”

Women generally and non-whites of both genders perceived higher risk in using biotechnology in food production than men and whites of both genders.

The study included four annual national surveys from 2003 to 2005 and three annual surveys of New Yorkers from 2003 to 2005.

“The results of the state and national surveys were very consistent with each other,” said Shanahan. “And both showed a slight but significant shift over time toward a little less support and more risk perception.”