CONSUMER ATTITUDES TOWARD GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD

Among Polish consumers food containing genetically modified materials causes a lot of controversy. Therefore, the objective of the present research was to evaluate the attitude and awareness of Polish consumers regarding genetically modified food. The particular focus of the research was to determine the level of knowledge and consumer attitudes to genetically modified plants as well as food produced with the use of transgenic materials. It was concluded that over a half of the subjects is against cultivation of genetically modified plants is Poland. Moreover, also over a half of the subjects was concerned about the effects of consuming GM food as they claim it may have adverse health effects. Consumers were also not convinced whether the use of GM materials may lower food prices. The most essential factors lowering the risk of purchasing food with GMO addition in the consumers' opinion included: checking the information on the packaging, family's opinion, verified shop and the seller's opinion.