According to a recent survey by the International Food Information Council Foundation, 47 percent of American consumers “avoid GMO food at least somewhat.” That includes 19 percent who said they avoid it “completely,” and 28 percent who said they avoid it “somewhat.”
Human health is a top concern—85 percent of consumers who avoid GMO foods cited it as a reason for doing so. Other reasons included concerns about the environment (43 percent), animal health (36 percent), and agriculture and farming (34 percent).
Over a third of respondents said they know at least a fair amount about bioengineered or genetically modified foods, while an identical proportion said they know very little or nothing at all.
The survey also analyzed other food label statements consumers look for when buying groceries. The top desired labels were “All Natural,” “100 percent Natural,” or “Natural” (71 percent of consumers when purchasing for themselves, 72 percent when purchasing for their families); “Raised without Antibiotics” (71 percent for themselves, 72 percent for their families); and “Sustainable” (62 percent when purchasing for themselves, 63 percent for their families).
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