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An Open Mind Wants More: Opinion Strength and the Desire for Genetically Modified Food Labeling Policy
Author(s) -
RADAS SONJA,
TEISL MARIO F.,
ROE BRIAN
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of consumer affairs
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.582
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1745-6606
pISSN - 0022-0078
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-6606.2008.00111.x
Subject(s) - viewpoints , genetically modified food , genetically modified organism , food labeling , genetically engineered , food products , business , marketing , psychology , economics , food science , biology , genetics , visual arts , gene , art
Two opposing viewpoints exist in the literature; some suggest consumers are unconcerned and do not desire any genetically modified labeling, while others indicate the opposite. The mixed results may be because consumers make finer distinctions than surveys have called for, and have evaluation schemes sensitive to information about the benefits and risks associated with genetically modified foods. We find consumers are quite nuanced in their preferences for genetically modified labeling policy. Unexpectedly, consumers with less‐defined views desire mandatory labeling of the most stringent type, while consumers with stronger viewpoints (either pro‐ or con‐genetically modified) are more relaxed in their labeling requirements.