September, 2002

On Thursday September 19th, at the International Rice Congress in Beijing, the Asian Food Information Centre released the results of its second survey of Asian consumer knowledge and attitudes towards foods derived from modern biotechnology

The results of this survey found that contrary to the views reported in other parts of the world, most
Asian consumers are not strongly opposed to genetically modified foods. In fact the majority of
consumers surveyed were positive, and wanted to know more about the technology, and how it could
improve the quality of their everyday foods, such as rice, fruit, vegetables, soybeans and corn.

To gain an accurate picture of what consumers in Asia really think about genetically modified foods, the Asian Food Information Centre commissioned international market research company, ISIS Research, to survey the current knowledge and attitudes of consumers in China, Thailand and the Philippines to genetically modified foods. 600 consumers in these countries were asked for their views on foods derived from modern biotechnology, what they knew about the science and technology, what they would like to know, and where they would like to see further information being made available.

Key findings

• 66% of consumers surveyed believed that they would personally benefit from food biotechnology
  during the next five years. Benefits in eating quality, nutritional value, and reduction in chemical usage on crops were the most highly valued benefits.
  
  When asked to spontaneously name possible advantages and disadvantages to biotechnology foods, the number of likely benefits suggested, was an amazing four times greater than the number of likely disadvantages. Most common benefits anticipated were improved eating quality and improved nutrition. Other commonly mentioned potential benefits were improved shelf life, less chemical pesticides in food, and reduced cost of food.
  
  61% of consumer surveyed believed had eaten biotechnology foods recently, and of those who
  believed they had, more than 90% were satisfied with this situation, and took no action to avoid it.
  
  Over 80% of those surveyed expressed their willingness to try a snack food containing genetically modified ingredients, if offered a sample.

Georgina Cairns, Executive Director of the Asian Food Information Centre commented that “Foods
derived from biotechnology, have been a topic of hot debate in the West, particularly in Europe. Many
of those who are passionately ‘for’ or ‘against’ biotechnology foods are fond of quoting surveys of
public opinion in Europe. The Asian Food Information Centre was not satisfied with using second hand
data from other parts of the world, as a measure of public opinion here in Asia. After all, 60% of the
global population lives in Asia Pacific – this must surely merit an original survey of public opinion in the
region! The results of this survey demonstrate that citizens of Asia remain open-minded on this topic
and wish to know more about the technology and how it might benefit them and their families in the
future”.

1999 and 2002 AFIC Surveys show consistency in results

Both surveys found Asian consumers are cautiously optimistic about the benefits that biotechnology
could bring to their diet, and would like more information. The preferred primary sources of information
were mass media channels such as newspapers, TV and increasingly the Internet. Consumers believe
the mass media has a key role to play in providing information, but would like scientists and government agencies to play a more active role in providing this information also.

The majority of survey respondents felt they had limited knowledge of the science and technology of
genetic modification but were eager to learn more. Nevertheless, the majority of those surveyed were
able to accurately name the most commonly available biotechnology crops and foodstuffs.

A balanced approach to the topic in the Asia region

Some consumers did have some concerns: For example, on possible side effects to the body, or
potential of foods to create an allergic reaction. These concerns were expressed as a desire for more
information, and demonstrated a balanced and open-minded approach. This contrasts sharply with the
often highly polarised and extreme views “for” and “against”, adopted by public spoke persons in other
parts of the world.

Other highlights from the survey

• Top food and health concerns for consumers in Asia were nutritional quality, microbial (germ)
  contamination and animal diseases that may be passed to humans. Biotechnology foods was rated as the issue of least concern.
  
  Over 80% of consumers felt there was enough information currently included on food product labels. When asked what extra information should be included, suggestions included information on halal standards, more information on ingredients, any known side effects, shelf life. None of the survey respondents expressed a desire for information on the presence of biotechnology ingredients.

The Asian Food Information Centre (AFIC) is a Singapore-registered not for profit organisation.
Its role is to effectively communicate science-based information to the media and other key
audiences in the Asia Pacific region. For more information about AFIC Email info@afic.org or
visit our website www.afic.org