Consumer attitudes regarding food biotechnology are increasingly positive after a slight dip last
fall. This is according to the latest International Food Information Council (IFIC) survey of U.S. consumers, conducted May 5-9, 2000, by Wirthlin Worldwide. Since last October, consumers are somewhat more likely to buy foods that have been enhanced to "taste better or fresher" (54% vs. 51%), or that have been modified for insect protection and to require less pesticide spray (69% vs. 67%). 

The survey was conducted just after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reaffirmed it would not require mandatory labeling of biotech foods. According to the IFIC survey, more than 2 out of 3 (69%) consumers support the FDA's labeling policy. This confidence in the FDA position has remained relatively stable over the past 3 years, despite increasing controversy about food biotechnology. And although down slightly, 3 out of 5 consumers still feel they will benefit from biotechnology within the next 5 years. 

Sylvia Rowe, President and CEO of IFIC, points out, "These results also come on the heels of reports from the National Academy of Sciences and the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science assuring the American public of the safety and benefits of biotechnology-produced foods." Eighty-seven percent of consumers surveyed (up from 81% in October 1999) agreed that education through toll-free numbers, brochures, and web sites would provide better sources of information than food labels. 

To view survey results, click here. 

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. IFIC's programs are supported by the broad-based food, beverage and agricultural industries. IFIC materials can be found online at http://ificinfo.health.org. 

IFIC news release
N2729