Factors influencing public acceptance of innovative food technologies and products

Factors that influence public acceptance of innovative technologies and products in the food area were determined. Results suggest that perceived benefit, perceived risks and perceived naturalness are important factors for the acceptance of new food technologies. Lay people may not only have difficulties in assessing risks associated with novel food technologies, but the benefits of such technologies may also not be obvious. Trust, therefore, is important for the acceptance of new food technologies. Finally, the impact of general psychological constructs, such as food neophobia and others, on the acceptance of new foods is discussed.