Consumer Perception on Genetically Modified Food in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The perception of the Sri Lankan public on Genetically Modified (GM) foods was examined by administrating a structured questionnaire to 800 selected respondents. Wide range of questions was included in the questionnaire and it was structured to have comprehensive idea about the understanding and perception of the respondents on genetically modified food. To ensure good representation of the public equal number of respondents were selected from academia, research scientists, university students and ordinary Sri Lankan. According to the results of the study, Average awareness of Sri Lankan public on GM food was 96%. Majority of respondents has received information about GM foods from TV & Radio. Compared to others, respondents from the academic and research institutes had higher knowledge on GM food. Highest level of interest on issues of Biotechnology and GM foods was shown by the academics which were followed by respondents from research institute and university students. However, ordinary Sri Lankan showed low interest. Seventy (70%) and sixty-three (63%) percent respondents from academic and research institutes respectively are willing to accept GM foods while twenty-one (21%) and twenty-five (25%) percent of university students and ordinary Sri Lankan respectively are willing to accept. The reason for rejecting of GM food of the majority of respondents was fear of side effects. According to the results of the study, there is a requirement for educational programmes on GM foods for Sri Lanka public. In those programmes special concern must be given to health risks/side effects. According to the results of the study, TV & radio programmes are the best method to improve the knowledge of Sri Lankan public on GM food.