Information on biotechnology modifications should include the reasons for modification, degree of regulatory oversight, methods and extent of safety verification, and impact of modification on consumer safety and the environment." (Bruhn, nd) According to a report from the Food Policy Institute entitled: "Consumer Preference Modeling: Willingness to Buy Genetically Modified Food" the willingness of the average individual to buy GM food products is influenced by factors including those of: (1) The type of benefit conferred by the genetically modified product (health or environmental benefits, price, better taste or quality, etc.), (2) The recipients of the benefit (consumer or producer); (3) The technology employed (animal, plant or bacterium based), (4) The perceived risks involved, (5) Demographics and socioeconomic characteristics, (6) Knowledge about science, biotechnology and food production, and (7) Trust in regulators." (Food Policy Institute, 2002) SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Obviously knowledge and understanding are key in consumer's acceptance of food biotechnology which clearly provides a rationale for education of consumers as the method for gaining public acceptance for these types of modified food products. The company that produces these food products will be well served by holding local community education classes that will provide the consumer with enough information to inform and educate the consumer about the products that are derived via food...

While many companies may simply skirt the issue because the FDA has not required labeling on these food products the more successful companies will be those that reach out to consumers with the knowledge and information needed to make intelligent and well-informed food purchasing decisions. While food labeling may put some consumers at ease, the only viable method is the education of consumers in terms of long run profitability.
Bibliography

McCammon, Sally L. (1999) Regulating the Products of Biotechnology. Online available at http://www.biotech-info.net/aphis.pdf#search=%22Issues%20Management%20Plan%3A%20F ood%20biotechnology%22

Food Biotechnology (2004) International Food Information Council Online available at http://www.ific.org/food/biotechnology/index.cfm

Tietyen, J.L. And Garrison, M.E. (ND) Food Biotechnology - Family and Consumer Sciences. Online available at http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/brei/brei3/brei3.htm.

Food Biotechnology (nd) USDA Online at http://www.nal.usda.gov/bic/Nonfed_biotech_docs/NFPA_biotech/FACTS_FPA.html

Bruhn, Christine M. (nd) Biotechnology Overview, Product Applications, Consumer Response Online available at http://www.ccst.us/ccst/pubs/gmf/FB_Ch1.pdf

Consumer Preference Modeling (2002) Food Policy Institute report Online available at http://www.biotech.foodpolicyinstitute.org/willingness.html.

Food Biotechnology