A Pew Research Center survey of 20 global publics revealed widespread public skepticism about the safety of genetically modified (GM) foods, a stark contrast to the scientific consensus on the issue. A global median of 48% of respondents believe GM foods are unsafe to eat, compared to only 13% who consider them safe, with significant concern in countries like Russia, Italy, and India. The article highlights a notable demographic divide: women are consistently more skeptical of GM food safety than men, and individuals with higher education, particularly in science, are more likely to view them as safe. This public apprehension persists despite expert reports from bodies like the U.S. National Academies of Science that affirm the safety of GM foods, and it influences starkly different regulatory approaches between regions, with many European nations banning GM crops while countries like the U.S. and Brazil are major producers.
This article highlights a critical and persistent challenge in modern science: the significant gap between expert consensus and public perception. It's fascinating and somewhat concerning that skepticism is so deeply entrenched globally, even in the face of pretty concrete scientific agreement. The demographic findings are interesting as well; the gender and education gaps suggest that feelings about GM foods are not just about the science itself, but are influenced by deeper social, cultural, and informational factors. The fact that more science education correlates with greater acceptance points to a failure in science communication rather than a failure of the science itself. This disconnect has real-world consequences, shaping disparate government policies that can hinder global collaboration on using biotechnology to address pressing issues like food security. The article serves as a powerful reminder that for technology to progress, winning public trust is just as important as winning the scientific debate.
References :
1. Kennedy, Brian, and Cary Lynne Thigpen. “Many Publics around World Doubt Safety of Genetically Modified Foods.” Pew Research Center, 11 Nov. 2020, www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2020/11/11/many-publics-around-world-doubt-safety-of-genetically-modified-foods/.
2. Bawa, A. S., and K. R. Anilakumar. “Genetically Modified Foods: Safety, Risks and Public Concerns—a Review.” Journal of Food Science and Technology, vol. 50, no. 6, 2013, pp. 1035–46, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-012-0899-1.
I agree that people with higher education in science understand the safety of GMO foods. However, I fascinated by the fact that women are more skeptical than men when it comes to GMO food despite their education in science.
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