Australians divided over genetically modified food

FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2000

Are we eating our words when it comes to genetically modified foods?

A study of Australian community attitudes has found that while the majority of Australians support genetic modification of food, they are more cautious when it comes to eating it.

The Australian Government study looked at the question of whether or not food and drink should be genetically altered to increase the amount of protein, last longer or taste better. 66% of the respondents agreed it was useful to do so and 62% agreed it was morally acceptable.

But asked if they would eat genetically modified fruit or vegetables which tasted better, only 51% said yes while only 44% said yes to fruit and vegetables that were modified for longevity.

Almost the same number of respondents who believe that genetically modifying foods is useful, also believe that health risks are involved (67%).

Most respondents agree it is worthwhile labeling genetically modified products (89%) and there is also strong support for the view that the regulation of genetically modified food should not be left to industry (70%).

While 42% of Australians said that genetic engineering would make our lives better over the next 20 years, over one third (34%) said it would make our lives worse.

Biotechnology Australia, a Federal Government initiative, commissioned the telephone survey and published the findings on 22 December 1999.