2 August 2006

NICOSIA — Anything that makes food taste better is fine, according to 62 percent of South Africans who are familiar with genetically modified foods, global market research company Synovate has revealed. That statement is sure to be anathema to the 89 percent of corresponding Greeks who believe such products may be harmful.

Genetically modified foods have been the subject of controversy amongst scientists, politicians and the media in some countries, but what do ordinary people think? To find out, Synovate surveyed 3,127 respondents in Greece, Indonesia, Poland, Singapore and South Africa.

Even basic familiarity with genetically modified foods varies considerably. While 84 percent of Greeks are extremely or somewhat familiar with these products, 92 percent of Indonesians have not heard of that term. A majority of respondents in South Africa and Poland are also familiar with genetically modified foods, while 65 percent of Singaporeans profess ignorance.

Maria Darmi, Managing Director of Synovate Greece, is not surprised by the high awareness of genetically modified foods in that country. "Greeks have become sensitive to food scares and are more and more suspicious of food origins, because of incidents in neighbouring European countries and also sensationalism in some media."

Among consumers who are aware of genetically modified foods, a majority in Greece (89 percent), Poland (68 percent), Indonesia (66 percent) and Singapore (59 percent) believe such fare may be harmful – whereas only one-third of South Africans agree.

But Synovate found that despite these cautious feelings, 46 percent of Indonesians and 42 percent of Poles and Singaporeans believe that the benefits of genetically modified foods outweigh the risks.

Not only do 45 percent of South Africans agree with the latter statement, but 62 percent of them also maintain that anything that makes food taste better tastes fine – as do 43 percent of Singaporeans.

Price also makes a difference, with 47 percent of South Africans and 41 percent of Singaporeans willing to buy genetically modified foods if they are cheaper than non-genetically modified products. By contrast, only 10 percent of Greeks display such price-consciousness.

The characteristics of genetically modified foods have not been actively marketed or communicated to South African consumers, notes Jon Salters, Synovate's Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa. "This has resulted in a general lack of awareness of their existence and associated risks and benefits. Given this lack of knowledge around GM foods, it is understandable that those products will make their way into the shopper's basket if the price is right."

Curiosities

• Among those respondents who are familiar with genetically modified foods, a majority in all countries but South Africa assert that GM crops should not be grown close to non-GM foods
• Close to 40 percent of respondents in Singapore and South Africa who do not buy genetically modified foods are willing to eat those products
• Most consumers in Greece, Indonesia and Poland who have heard of genetically modified foods always check labels to make sure they are not buying such items

Contact for this press release