The researchers surveyed 961 people across the United States via the Internet in April 2013. To assess their beliefs about genetically modified foods, participants were asked to respond to statements such as: “Genetically modified crops are safe to eat.” Then they were given scientific information about genetically modified foods and global warming. For example, researchers showed them this quote from the National Research Council regarding genetically modified food: “To date, no adverse health effects attributed to genetic engineering have been documented in the human population.”
After reading statements from scientific groups, participants were asked about their beliefs regarding the safety of genetically modified foods. The choices ranged from “much less safe” to “much more safe.” The results showed that before they received the information, 32% believed GM foods were safe to eat, 32% were not sure, and 36% did not believe GM foods were safe to eat. After they received scientific information, about 45% believed genetically modified foods were safer to eat and 43% were not swayed by the information. In addition, 12% said they felt such foods were less safe—not more.
“This is critical and hopefully demonstrates that as a society we should be more flexible in our beliefs before collecting information from multiple sources,” said Brandon McFadden, an assistant professor in food and resource economics in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. “Also, this indicates that scientific findings about a societal risk likely have diminishing value over time.”
