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."
How familiar are you with genetically modified foods?
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."
Do you agree with the following statements?
(Base: Extremely or somewhat familiar with genetically modified foods)
