Consumers and new food technologies

This paper aims to describe the current landscape in Europe within which emerging food technologies are developed and applied, and to give insights from other parts of the world. Consumers’ attitudes towards emerging food technologies are described, with a focus on five case-studies; nanotechnology, genetic modification, nutrigenomics, food irradiation and animal cloning. Stakeholders’ opinions specifically on nanotechnology are also discussed taking into account a recent European consultation. The factors that shape consumers’ views such as perceptions, knowledge and information, trust and socio-demographic attributes that influence consumers’ views, are also included.