Contents - Faperta

Biosafety of Food from Genetically Modifi ed Crops 457
Introduction of Food from Genetically Modified Crops to the General Public
There is a need for introducing the products of biotechnology through the peer-reviewed
press rather than through the general media, balanced presentation of the benefi ts of biotechnology
to the general public, and an understanding of the trade-offs. The role of transgenics
in reducing the load of pesticides in the environment needs to be considered
seriously. The fi rst agricultural products of biotechnology have already reached the world
markets, and have received a frosty response in some parts of the world. Despite some
sensational headlines in the press, people in North America have not reacted to foods containing
ingredients developed through biotechnology. It is clear from consumer surveys
that perceptions about biotech foods are strongly infl uenced by the type of information,
confi dence in government, and cultural preferences. Most of the people are cautiously
optimistic about the benefi ts of biotechnology. They will accept the products if they see a
benefi t to themselves or to the society.
Consumer Response to Food from Genetically Modified Crops
Consumer response to food from genetically modifi ed plants varies across regions. In
general, the response is similar to any other food, and the major considerations are taste,
nutrition, price, safety, and convenience. How seeds and food ingredients are produced is
relevant only for a small group of concerned “organic” consumers. In general, consumers
see considerable value in human genetic testing, development of new medicines, and the
use of biotechnology to develop insect-resistant crop plants. Because of ethical considerations,
consumers are less likely to accept the use of biotechnology with animals and food
products compared to crop plants. The most acceptable applications are those that offer a
clear consumer benefi t, as well as those perceived to be ethical and safe. However, public
attitudes about agricultural biotechnology vary considerably across countries.
European consumers generally are not against the pharmaceutical products of biotechnology,
but are much less willing to accept food and food ingredients, especially when
derived from genetically modifi ed plants (Moses, 1999). Objections are mainly based on
fears for the health and safety of the consumer, worries about the possibility of deleterious
effects on the environment, and a range of moral and ethical concerns often deriving from
a distaste, however expressed, for the concept of interfering with nature. Transgenic maize
with Bt genes has been banned in the European Union due to the presence of the antibiotic
(ampicillin) resistance gene. The end result is a serious setback to the public acceptability
of transgenic crops. Consumer understanding of the science underlying biotechnology is
patchy. In no country does more than a small proportion of the population claim a good
grasp. As a consequence of these attitudes, the introduction of genetically modifi ed foods
into Europe has occurred slowly.
In the developing countries, there is a need for an environment that is institutionally,
socially, culturally, politically, and educationally favorable. Developing countries that are
entering biotechnology also have a large proportion of population capable of making rational
decisions. If large sections of the population are under the poverty line and illiterate, the
nongovernmental organizations become the advocates of public opinion, which at times
may be guided by several extraneous factors. Under such circumstances, international
organizations such as FAO, WHO, UNIDO, and international agriculture research centers
(IARCs) can be expected to play an important role in enhancing the public perception of the
usefulness and the risks associated with the introduction of genetically modifi ed organisms.
In the Philippines, almost 80% of the people were willing to buy genetically modifi ed food