Perception and knowledge of genetically modified foods in a sample of the Costa Rican population

Abstract

We analyzed the perception of Costa Rican consumers regarding genetically modified foods, a topic of growing global importance due to its implications for food safety and the environment. We conducted a survey through social media, with a focus on the Instagram platform to facilitate access and participation, aiming to assess respondents' knowledge, familiarity, and perception of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food products. We received 226 survey responses. We found a widespread lack of knowledge about genetically modified foods among participants, with older individuals exhibiting greater awareness of the topic. 63.7% of respondents were unaware of whether they had consumed genetically modified foods and lacked information about the impact of these foods on food safety and health. Despite the global acceptance of GMOs, concerns about their safety persist. Overall, this study enriches the knowledge landscape in the field of genetically modified foods by providing descriptive statistics summarizing and highlighting the collected data, as well as exploring the relationships and connections between the various variables of interest in this research. The findings underscore the need for educational campaigns to raise public awareness in Costa Rica. Additionally, the importance of clear and transparent labeling on food products containing genetically modified ingredients is emphasized. This will enable consumers to make more informed choices and promote greater transparency in the Costa Rican food industry.