Why consumers need information
Consumers have a growing interest in production methods, and ethical or environmental considerations have an increasing influence on product purchases.
Genetic modification is a major new technology with the potential to change our lives. In no case may it be imposed on us without our knowledge. Communication to the public therefore needs to take place at an early stage.
Consumer perceptions and fears are central to this dossier. EU food policy must aim at creating the conditions in which we have good reason to feel confident about the food we eat. Consumer distrust in genetically modified foods is driven by lack of personal control over exposure to products, together with reduced or even no choice over consumption.
Lack of information might result in consumers feeling they are loosing personal control over the food they eat or they offer to their family.
The Commission proposal on the labelling and authorisation of GMO food and feed meets our expectations.
Consumers want:
• labels to state if food or ingredients have been genetically modified
• processed food produced from GMOs to be labelled