Consumer Attitude towards Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods in Sri Lanka

There has been a rapid expansion in the cultivation of genetically modified  (GM) crops since its first commercialization in 1996, resulting in a rapid increase in GM  food products. The abundance of GM foods in the market has resulted in a great concern  over the health impacts of them on consumers. The worldwide consumer response towards  GM food products has been mostly negative. The present research was carried out to study  consumer attitude towards GM foods in Sri Lanka, and their labeling. This is the first report  of a study conducted on GM food acceptance in Sri Lanka. Results revealed that most of the  Sri Lankan consumers are not aware of GM foods and perceive GM foods as being risky to  human health. The majority of the consumers were of the view that GM foods should be  labeled.  A significant negative relationship was found between identifying GM foods being  risky to the health and buying GM food products. Many were interested to gain more  knowledge on GM food products. Most consumers tend  to read labels on food items,  especially to verify the dates of manufacture, expiry etc., but rarely to check the ingredients.  Although GM food labeling is mandatory in Sri Lanka, there are many important issues still  to be addressed before fully implementing GM food labeling policies.

Tropical Agricultural Research Vol. 23 (3): 283-288 (2012)

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/tar.v23i3.4666