GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD IN THE OPINION OF CONSUMERS

Abstract

Dynamic developments in the area of biotechnology, including production and processing of food, taking place in the 21st century, cause serious social concerns in relation with uncontrolled leaks of transgenes to the natural environment and with long-term effects of consumption of genetically modified food for human health. This articles analyses opinions of Polish consumers about genetically modified food on the basis of a survey of 112 students from Warsaw higher schools who have been selected at random. The survey, in the form a questionnaire, has examined the level of respondents’ knowledge about genetically modified food and its values (e.g. longer shelf life, less calories, etc.).