Genetically Modified Foods

ABSTRACT

This study outlines the controversy surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and how it impacts North American based food service companies' marketing policies. Recent developments have made foods derived from GMOs a strategic marketing challenge for food service franchise and chain operations. Headlines such as “Why McDonalds Pulled Frankenfries from Menus” have unwittingly put restaurants on the frontline of the battle over foods made from GMOs (Martin, 2000). A survey method was used to explore food service operations' views regarding consumer acceptance of GMOs, right to know issues (labeling) and the benefits of GMOs, as well as food service companies' strategic response to this emerging technology. Findings indicate that food service establishments were generally concerned about customer opinions and tend to prefer government mandated labeling of GMOs. They also tend to feel that GMOs offer potential benefits to their industry and that customer concerns may fade over time.     

转基因食品,何必怕亮出身份?

走进任何一家零售企业,无论是国内的华联、联华、好又多、苏果和金润发,还是"洋超市"家乐福、麦德龙、八佰伴及沃尔玛,面对琳琅满目花花绿绿的食品,我们不曾看到有哪一种食品的标签上带有"转基因"的字样,即便本身就是转基因的食品也隐藏着自己的"身份".就此而言,与香烟上加贴标签"吸烟有害健康"相比,不知道是缺少了勇气,还是商业道德问题?的确,转基因食品的安全健康问题尚未定论,但能因此而隐瞒"身份",欺骗消费者吗?     

消费者对转基因食品的认知态度和购买意愿

随着生物技术的发展,越来越多的转基因食品进入了人类的食物链,但消费者对其的态度却不尽相同,明确了解消费者对转基因食品的认知态度及购买意愿将有助于生产者及政府的决策。根据辽宁省十个城市消费者进行的问卷调查数据,深入研究了城市消费者对转基因食品的认知态度及购买意愿。     

Evaluating the Behavioural Impact of the Australian and New Zealand Genetically Modified Food Labelling Provisions

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a choice experiment that encompassed the labelling options outlined in the Australian and New Zealand government's recently finalized mandatory labelling system for genetically modified foods (GMF's) and foods that contain genetically modified ingredients. The labelling scheme is to be implemented across both countries from December 2001 onwards. Results suggest difficulties ahead for manufacturers and growers of GM labelled product if there is an ample supply of GM-free labelled alternatives. It is also likely that manufacturers and growers of GM-free product will realize greater levels of demand over non-labelled and GM product even when these alternatives are substantially cheaper.     

Acceptance of Genetically Modified Foods with Health Benefits: A Study in Germany

A study was carried out in Germany in order to assess consumers' acceptance of genetically modified (GM) foods with health benefits (bread, yohurt and eggs). Acceptability of GM foods increases when its source does not involve animal products such as eggs. Three factors have been identified as direct antecedents of the acceptance of GM foods: respondents' attitude towards biotechnology, health consciousness, and time pressure, being the first one the most salient one. Price consciousness has an indirect positive impact (mediated by health consciousness) upon acceptance of GM products. Males were more likely to accept GM foods with health benefits.     

济南市消费者对转基因食品认知度的调查与分析

2015年中央发布的一号文件首次写入加强转基因科普。了解消费者对转基因食品的认知度是开展科普工作的重要前提。基于此,笔者以济南消费者为对象,调查其对转基因食品的认知度,分析调查结果,并提出相应的建议,以期为转基因科普工作提供参考。     

转基因食品安全

科技是把双刃剑。转基因食品在一定程度上解决了粮食危机,促进了科技发展,但同时也存在着一些的问题和争议。本文通过探讨转基因食品安全问题,旨在为普通民众和科学工作者提供一定的参考依据。     

转基因食品安全管理

本文简要介绍目前的转基因技术发展现状,对转基因食品可能存在的危害进行分析,阐述笔者对转基因食品的理解,认为转基因食品应在有效监管下健康发展,结合自身的知识体系,对如何做好转基因食品的法律监管提出个人见解。     

浅谈转基因食品标识

目前转基因食品成为了大众消费者越来越关心的问题,其不仅关乎着社会利益的较量,同时也对国际贸易有一定的影响。深入研究和了解转基因食品标识制度,可以让消费者更客观地理解其本质,对正在形成中的相关国际法和处于发展中的国内法具有借鉴和指导意义。     

关于转基因食品安全性评价的研究探索

随着经济社会的快速发展和科学技术的日新月异,以提升人民生活水平为目的的转基因食品应运而生。转基因食品在我国的发展时间并不长,但却得到了极大程度的促进与发展,对于其发展的影响,存在着毁誉参半的尴尬境地。但不能抹杀的是转基因食品的确具有明显的优势,为社会的发展提供了推动力。一方面,转基因食品具有节约成本、提升经济效益和丰富生物产品多样化的优点。但从另一方面来看,转基因食品也具有很大的安全隐患,对生态环境、食用人体的健康,甚至物种自身的发展都存在很大的不良影响。基于此,研究关于转基因食品安全性评价,以期进一步推动转基因食品相关技术的发展,为社会和人类的进一步发展作出贡献。     

A Second Generation of Genetically Modified Food

Abstract

The aim of this research was a cross-cultural investigation of views regarding Genetically Modified Organisms, specifically food crops, to determine if there were significant differences in the views of French and American respondents. In addition, we sought to introduce the issue of possible consumer benefits of second generation GMOs into the research by examining differences in acceptance of value-enhanced GMOs compared with first generation GMOs for both French and American respondents. Both first and second generation GMOs are better accepted by American respondents than by French respondents, but respondents in both countries perceive a direct benefit from second generation GM foods with at least a less negative attitude toward them. In addition, respondents indicated factors which would make it more likely that they would purchase such enhanced GM foods.     

Voters’ Response to Labeling Genetically Engineered Foods: Oregon's Experience

Oregonians voted on Measure 27, a measure to label genetically engineered foods, in November 2002. A follow‐up survey of 801 voters was conducted to explore how consumers voted in an actual election on this issue, who voted for and against this measure, and why they voted the way they did. The results revealed that the measure did not pass for a variety of reasons. Those included concern with costs, questions about necessity of the labeling in view of safety assessments by the FDA, concern with how the measure was worded, and the impact the measure would have on farmers. The majority of respondents supporting the measure wanted to know what is in the food they are eating.     

试析转基因产品对国际贸易的影响

现代生物技术产业蓬勃发展，各种基因工程产品和细胞工程产品层出不穷，并陆续商品化，显现出巨大的经济效益和社会影响。目前人类对基因尚未有足够的了解，如果利用不当可能对生物多样性、生态环境和人类健康构成潜在的未知风险与威胁。由于各国对转基因产品采取不同态度，不可避免地会对国际贸易及其相关问题产生影响。     

The Effects of Energy Cost Labelling on Appliance Purchasing Decisions: Trial Results from Ireland

Household failure to minimize the total costs of energy-consuming investments has become known as the “energy efficiency gap.” This paper explores if this is partly the result of imperfect information related to future energy costs. We test this hypothesis by adding 5-year consumption cost labels to the tumble dryer lineup of four outlets of an Irish electrical retailer. Although we observe a reduction in the average energy consumption of dryer sales, our analysis does not show a statistically significant effect. However, we highlight a number of experimental limitations in our trial which potentially undermine this treatment effect. In addition, mixed findings from previous research suggest that further trials should be conducted before “lifetime” energy cost labelling is removed from potential policy options to increase the energy efficiency of household appliances.     

Perceptions and Attitudes of Singaporeans towards Genetically Modified Food

This study examines the perceptions and attitudes of Singaporean residents who attended the first public lecture on genetically modified (GM) food in the country. Scales were developed for the underlying consumer concerns, and their relationship with one another and with demographic variables were examined. Slightly more than half of those who attended the talk (n= 417) indicated that they were worried about GM foods and 86 percent agreed or strongly agreed that GM foods should be labeled. Issues relating to health, ethics, and perceived benefits were the major underlying concerns. These were related to several demographic variables and also to perceived knowledge about biotechnology. Women were more concerned about the ethical and health aspects compared to men. Those with post‐graduate education were the least concerned about health and ethical issues and more likely to buy GM foods if consumer benefits are shown. Married respondents were less concerned about health issues compared to single ones. Also, those with children under fifteen years of age were less concerned about health issues compared to others and more likely to buy GM foods if consumer benefits are shown. Respondents subscribing to the Hindu religion were more likely than others to buy GM foods If benefits are shown. Also, those who considered themselves vegetarians were more concerned about the ethical aspects of GM foods compared to others.     

Consumer Buying Behavior of Genetically Modified Fries in Germany

A purchasing experiment in which genetically modified and conventional fries were offered for sale at mobile fast food stands in Germany was conducted to identify factors influencing the willingness of consumers to purchase genetically modified fries. In total, 331 purchasing decisions were made: 56.5% decided to purchase conventional fries, 22.4% genetically modified fries, and 21.1% no preference. A logistic regression model analyzing questionnaires found that worry about pesticides, frequency of organic food purchases, the acceptability of genetically modified foods with environmental benefits, and perceptions of health risks from genetically modified foods significantly impact the willingness to purchase genetically modified fries.     

抗病毒转基因番木瓜的实时PCR检测

番木瓜是世界上第一种大规模种植的转基因水果,多个国家和地区开展了转基因番木瓜的研究和田间试验。针对市场上可能遇到的转基因番木瓜种类,本文分析了这些转基因木瓜的外源基因结构,在外源基因的NOS启动子与植物基因组之间的侧翼序列中设计了3类转基因木瓜的4个品系（Event）的特异性实时PCR的引物/探针,建立了4种抗病毒转基因番木瓜的品系特异性实时PCR检测方法,优化了番木瓜果肉和种籽的DNA纯化方法。实验表明这些品系检测方法的特异性和灵敏度符合出入境检验检疫的要求,应用这些方法从市售的番木瓜中检出了台湾中兴大学研发的两个转基因品系。     

An Integrated Group Decision Making Support Model for Corporate Financing Decisions

The essential goal of corporate finance is to maximize corporate value while reducing a firm’s financial risks. Corporate financing decision is a kind of multi-criteria based group decision making that embodies major approaches to handle qualitative criteria and quantitative limitations. However, in literature related to financing decision making, very little research uses decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and analytic network process (ANP) methods to consider the impact and dependency of its factors, or uses Goal programming (GP) to find the satisfactory financing decision under the related financial constraints. This study proposes an integrated group decision making support (GDMS) model to assist corporate financing group decision makers (DMs) in obtaining a satisfactory group solution. ANP, DEMATEL and GP are combined in this GDMS model. By using this model, the group DMs can systemically structure a multi-criteria network framework and derive priority weights of those criteria, and then deal with the quantitative financial constraints for a satisfactory group solution. An illustrative case is demonstrated for the effectiveness and practicability of this GDMS model.     

检测技术在转基因食品分析中的应用

随着经济的不断发展,人们的生活水平在不断提高,转基因食品的范围越来越广,其安全问题也受到了全社会的关注。本文从转基因技术的基本原理分析入手,分析传统定量技术、数字PCR检测技术和新材料辅助定量检测技术分析检测技术在基因食品分析中的应用。     

世界生物技术作物的发展态势与我国的对策

从国别、作物的种类及特性的角度观察世界生物技术作物,其生产状况呈现出全面迅速增长态势。与此同时,世界生物技术作物的国际贸易也呈现出迅速增长的趋势。与上述发展态势伴生的是生物安全与国际贸易争端问题。我国应当从科技、安全管理、国际贸易等方面积极应对。