Significant Knowledge Gap In Debate Over Modified Foods

Paris, June 8, 2000 - Consumers around the world are taking home a negative message about genetically modified (GM) foods, as more consumers see the issue as one where the risks outweigh the benefits, according to a new poll of 5,000 adults by Angus Reid Group Worldwide. Increasingly, it seems that consumers see the issue as one of food safety and public health rather than progress in science and technology.

Over half of consumers in Japan, France, Germany, Australia and Canada see the issue in a health and safety context. In the United States, 44 percent see it in that context, as do 39 percent of shoppers in the United Kingdom. Only in Brazil, where awareness of the issue is the lowest is it seen largely as a science and technology matter (61 percent). The findings were released as delegates met in Toronto for The Agricultural Biotechnology International conference.

"Due in part to the negative press the issue has been receiving, it's not surprising that the trend toward GM foods is seen negatively by at least half of consumers in 7 of the 8 countries polled," says Joanna Karman, managing director of the company's agri-foods division and co-author of the Angus Reid Group report New Thoughts for Food: Consumer Reaction to Biotechnology in Foods.

"Consumers aren't yet convinced that genetically altered foods represent scientific advancement," says Karman. "It seems that genetically modified food has become less of a science and technology issue and much more of a matter of health and safety in the minds of consumers we spoke to."

Among the eight countries polled, the trend toward GM foods was seen most negatively in Japan (82 percent), followed by Germany (73 percent) and France (71 percent). Americans are growing more disenchanted with the concept. Forty-five percent of Americans held a negative view when polled by the Angus Reid Group in 1998, compared to 51 per cent earlier this year. The same holds for Canadians -- 59 percent hold negative views about GM foods, up from 45 percent two years ago. In Brazil, just 45 percent of shoppers view this trend negatively.

When it came to identifying the benefits or advantages of GM foods, the most commonly mentioned benefit is productivity-related (improved efficiencies / higher yields in food production), mentioned by 31%. On the consumer end of it, 15% mention better quality foods and another 15% mention fewer pesticides. As well, 1 in 10 mention the potential for improved nutritional value of GM foods.

Of particular note is that 25 percent of those surveyed expect GM foods to provide no benefits or advantages. An additional 10 percent were unsure of any benefits that might result.

"Genetic modification has become one of the top three issues facing the agriculture and food industry in many countries, ranking up there with pesticide use and topped only by the future of agriculture as it relates to farmers and loss of the family farm," Karman says.

While awareness is fairly high on a global scale, more than four in 10 consumers - ranging from 44 percent to 58 percent - still say they only understand "a little" about GM foods. Understanding is greatest in Germany, Australia and the U.K. Americans and Brazilians are least likely to say they understand the issue.

"At this point in the debate, consumers aren't yet convinced that genetically altered foods represent scientific advancement. They simply haven't made that leap yet. Most believe this issue is about health and safety. That's where we believe the debate should focus based on what consumers are telling us."

About the study New Thoughts for Food is a global, syndicated study designed to provide key players in the biotechnology food debate with a better understanding of consumer perceptions of genetically modified food.

Methodology Angus Reid Group Worldwide surveyed 5,005 adult consumers earlier this year on genetically modified foods in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom and United States. More information on the New Thoughts for Food: Consumer Reaction to Biotechnology in Foods study is available at www.angusreid.com/ services/p_agrifd.htm

About Angus Reid Established in 1979, the Angus Reid Group is among the world's leading research companies, providing a full array of marketing and social research services to the private and public sectors. Founded by Dr. Angus Reid, the Angus Reid Group has conducted extensive research in 80 countries and in 40 languages and serves clients around the world through 11 offices and 300-full-time and 800 part-time staff.

For more information on this release, please contact:

Elen Alexov Director of Marketing Services Ipsos in North America 778.373.5136 [email protected]