News Release

Americans support FDA food biotech policies

Peer-Reviewed Publication

International Food Information Council Foundation

This week, several activist groups again raised questions about food biotechnology. A recent survey indicates most consumers still remain in favor of food biotechnology and the current U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policies for safety and labeling of these foods.

A U.S. consumer attitude survey conducted by Wirthlin Worldwide for the International Food Information Council (IFIC) just after the FDA reaffirmed it would not require mandatory labeling of biotech foods found that more than 2 out of 3 (69%) consumers support the FDA's current labeling policy. This confidence in the FDA position has remained relatively stable over the past 4 years of IFIC consumer attitude surveys, despite increasing controversy about food biotechnology. Furthermore, 3 out of 5 (59%) consumers still feel they will benefit from biotechnology within the next 5 years.

The survey, conducted in May 2000, confirmed that a growing number of consumers are aware that biotech foods are in the supermarket (43%). The survey also showed that consumers are somewhat or very likely to purchase biotech products that have been enhanced to taste better or fresher (54%) or that are protected from insect damage and require fewer pesticides (69%).

"When presented with all the facts about food biotechnology, the vast majority of consumers support its use and recognize its potential benefits," says David Schmidt, IFIC¹s senior vice president for food safety.

###

Find the full survey at http://ificinfo.health.org/foodbiotech/survey.htm . Additional information on food biotechnology is available on the IFIC website at http://ificinfo.health.org .

The International Food Information Council (IFIC) is a nonprofit organization that communicates sound science-based information on food safety and nutrition topics to health professionals, journalists, government officials and consumers. IFIC¹s programs are supported by the broad-based food, beverage and agricultural industries. IFIC materials can be found online at http://ificinfo.health.org.


Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.