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Consumer perceptions of modern food biotechnology

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Abstract

The significant economic and social benefits of modern biotechnology may not be realized if consumer acceptance issues are not adequately addressed (Stenholm and Waggoner, 1992). Public reaction is a crucial factor in developing and introducing biotechnology (Cantley, 1987; De Flines, 1987). The issue of consumer confidence in novel products, whether from the point of view of safety or perceptions of quality, must be answered within the wider social context in which the technology is embedded. The exploitation of biotechnology to its full extent is likely to depend on public acceptance of a range of issues including perceptions of ethical and socio-economic impacts, as well as food safety. Cross-cultural differences in acceptance are likely to exist, as well as individual differences within specific populations.

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Frewer, L.J., Shepherd, R. (1998). Consumer perceptions of modern food biotechnology. In: Roller, S., Harlander, S. (eds) Genetic Modification in the Food Industry. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-5815-6_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-5815-6_2

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