Public perceptions of agri-food applications of genetic modification – A systematic review and meta-analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess research relevant to understanding consumer and societal attitudes to genetic modification applied to agri-food production. The objective was to compare attitudes in different global regions, at different times and between applications. Seventy articles were included in the final meta-analysis. Plant-related or “general” applications were more acceptable than animal-related applications. Risk perceptions were greater in Europe than North America and Asia. The reverse was true of benefit perceptions. Moral concerns are higher in North America and Asia. Both risk and benefit perceptions increased with time.

► Systematic review assessed societal attitudes to GM applied to agri-food production. ► Plant-related or “general” applications more acceptable than animal-related. ► Risk perception higher and benefit perception lower in Europe (regional comparison). ► Moral concerns higher in North America and Asia than Europe. ► Both risk and benefit perceptions increased with time globally.