Public awareness and perception of genetically modified/engineered foods in Trinidad, West Indies

Purpose - This study sets out to assess public awareness and perception of genetically modified (GM) foods in Trinidad, West Indies. Design/methodology/approach - Respondents (113) were interviewed by structured questionnaire on demographics, awareness, perceived risks, perceived benefits, labelling, availability of GM foods and responsibility for information. Findings - Some respondents (31.0 per cent) had not heard of GM foods. Most (64.6 per cent) respondents were willing ("very" or "somewhat") to purchase GM foods, if considered healthier than conventionally-produced foods or to purchase GM foods if they were safe (47.8 per cent). Food labels were important for warnings (31.4 per cent), information (30.4 per cent) and advertising (15.3 per cent). Some major perceived risks of GM foods were the toxic effects on health (41.6 per cent) and allergenic effects (28.3 per cent). Some benefits of GM were for increased productivity of crops and food availability (43.8 per cent), improved health and in disease control (27.9 per cent), economics (21 per cent), pest resistance (18.8 per cent) and improved nutrition (16 per cent). Most respondents (41.1 per cent) felt that the Government was responsible for giving information on GM foods. The public was indifferent (p > 0.05) as to whether GM foods should be grown in Trinidad and Tobago. The level of education and gender were not (p > 0.05) influential factors on responses. Originahty/value - Although the sample size was small, the findings could be used to target effective public education and bio-safety policies.