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Consumer attitudes and the governance of food safety

Philosophy Department, University of the Balearic Islands (Spain)

Emilio Muñoz

The Science, Technology and Society Department, Institute for Philosophy, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain

Marta González

Science, Technology and Society Department, Institute for Philosophy, CSIC, Madrid, Spain

Gloria Ponce

Science, Technology and society, at CSIC's Science, Technology and Society Department

Betty Estévez

Field of science, technology and society, at CSIC's Science, Technology and Society Department

This paper reports the analysis of a recent study of public perception of food safety governance in Spain, using genetically modified (GM) foods as an indicator. The data make clear that Spanish food consumers are aware of their rights and role in the marketplace. They are critical of current regulatory decision making, which they perceive to be unduly influenced by certain social actors, such as industry. In contrast, consumers demand decisions to be based primarily on scientific opinion, as well as consumer preferences. They want authorities to facilitate informed purchasing decisions, and favor labeling of GM foods mostly on the grounds of their right to know. However, consumers' actual level of knowledge with respect to food technology and food safety remains low. There are several ambivalences as to the real impact of these attitudes on actual consumer behavior (specifically when it comes to organizing themselves or searching out background information).

This version was published on January 1, 2009

Public Understanding of Science, Vol. 18, No. 1, 103-114 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0963662507078019


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