Mar 29 2009
People remain cautious about the emergence of new food technologies according to a review of existing research, published by the Food Standards Agency.
The report, which looks at research since 1999, brings together knowledge from the UK and beyond, on public opinion about up-and-coming food technologies, such as nanotechnologies and cloning. The findings will help to shape the FSA’s future work on emerging technologies.
According to the research, GM and animal cloning remain the areas of most concern for people. However, the review also showed that food technologies tended not to be a burning issue for the vast majority of people and often did not generate strong opinions.
Clair Baynton, Head of Novel Foods, Additives and Supplements at the Agency, said: 'Our top priority is to ensure the food on the shelves is as safe as it possibly can be, but we also need to be aware of how people feel about new technologies. Because so little tends to be known about emerging food technologies, attitudes towards them are frequently driven by emotions rather than facts. Understandably, people are wary when they’re not sure about the benefits and risks.
'The FSA is working with Government departments and Europe to assess information and potential hazards in relation to the future use of technologies in the food sector.'
The research looked at public opinion concerning:
- nanotechnologies
- functional foods
- synthetic biology
- GM food and crops
- cloning
- irradiation
- novel food processes