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If we label it, will they care? The effect of GM-ingredient labelling on consumer responses

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  • Louise Heslop

Abstract

More than 60% of foods in North American supermarkets contain GM ingredients. While North American consumers seem less concerned about GM foods than Europeans and Japanese, many consumer activists argue that consumers have a “right to know” if what they eat has GM ingredients. Will informative labelling of GM foods lead to major shifts in buying patterns? An experimental study found minimal effects of GM labelling overall but significant differential reactions to GM-labelled products across consumers with differing levels of consumer activism, perceived benefits of genetic engineering, and interest in novel foods with consumer benefits. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2006

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  • Louise Heslop, 2006. "If we label it, will they care? The effect of GM-ingredient labelling on consumer responses," Journal of Consumer Policy, Springer, vol. 29(2), pages 203-228, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jcopol:v:29:y:2006:i:2:p:203-228
    DOI: 10.1007/s10603-006-9000-7
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    Cited by:

    1. Bremmers, Harry J., 2012. "An Integrated Analysis of Food Information to Consumers: Problems, Pitfalls, Policies and Progress," 2012 International European Forum, February 13-17, 2012, Innsbruck-Igls, Austria 144985, International European Forum on System Dynamics and Innovation in Food Networks.
    2. Berning, Joshua & Campbell, Ben, 2017. "Consumer Preference and Market Simulations of Food and Non-Food GMO Introductions," 2017 Annual Meeting, February 4-7, 2017, Mobile, Alabama 252733, Southern Agricultural Economics Association.
    3. He, Na & Bernard, John C., 2011. "Differences in WTP and Consumer Demand for Organic and Non-GM Fresh and Processed Foods," Agricultural and Resource Economics Review, Northeastern Agricultural and Resource Economics Association, vol. 40(2), pages 1-15, August.
    4. Bremmers, Harry J. & van der Meulen, Bernd, 2013. "Opportunities, problems and pitfalls of nutrition and health claims," APSTRACT: Applied Studies in Agribusiness and Commerce, AGRIMBA, vol. 7(2-3), pages 1-5.
    5. Berning, Joshua & Campbell, Benjamin L., 2021. "Market simulations of consumer preferences for the introduction of GM tomatoes," International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, International Food and Agribusiness Management Association, vol. 24(1).

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