Understanding Saudi Public’s Awareness, Perception, and Attitudes towards Genetically Modified Foods

Introduction: Recent technological developments have enabled many scientists to produce a wide variety of foods that meet consumers’ desires for diversity and quality. Genetically modified (GM) foods have long been a controversial topic, and consumer reliance on these foods depends on their trust in biotechnology institutions due to their lack of knowledge about the risks and benefits. This study aimed to assess the awareness, attitude, and perception of GM foods among the Saudi population, as well as to identify the association between age, gender, and education level in the studied population and their awareness level towards genetically modified foods. Method: Data was collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire drawn from previous studies, after obtaining written consent. The questionnaire included three sections focusing on personal data, general knowledge of GM foods, and perception, attitudes, and beliefs towards GM foods. Our study included 500 responses. Results: The majority of the participants were female, located in the central region, and had a university education. Most participants provided a correct definition of GM foods and indicated that they had heard about them, but were unsure if they had eaten these foods in the past. Their knowledge of these foods was good. Regarding opinions and attitudes towards these foods, the majority of participants were neutral. They approved of using GM foods because it produces more food, tastes better, and can be stored for a long time. In conclusion, the study highlights the urgent necessity to raise awareness and knowledge regarding genetically modified foods among the Saudi population. It emphasizes the importance of educating consumers about the potential advantages and risks associated with consuming such foods, enabling them to make informed decisions. It is crucial to integrate awareness and education about genetically modified foods into the technological and agricultural advancements in Saudi Arabia.

Research Progress of Agricultural Genetically Modified Crop Safety Evaluation

The commercial cultivation of genetically modified(GM)crops has eased the global food crisis and brought considerable economic and social benefits to countries.Because of the potential safety problems,it is necessary to make clear the molecular genetic characteristics,edible safety,planting,processing,and other aspects of the safety evaluation of GM crops.The safety problems existing in the cultivation of GM crops,safety evaluation and detection of GM crops were introduced in this paper,which provided the basis for safety evaluation and effective supervision of GM crops and their products.Commercial cultivation and reasonable supervision based on safety evaluation have far-reaching significance for ensuring consumer safety,enhancing the credibility of the national political system and enhancing citizens'confidence in the safety of GM crop products for consumption.

Comparison of the Evolution of Genetically Modified Food Safety Policies between the United States and the European Union

With the research on and development of Genetically Modified Food （GMF）, people＇s attitude toward GMF may fall into two divergent categories, typical- ly represented by the United States（US） and the European Union（EU）, respectively. The former follows a ＂sound science principle＂ and firmly objects to the precautionary principle, namely a permissive policy of positive support of and voluntary labelling on GMF; while the latter adopts a cautiously precautionary principle, requiring mandatory labelling and traceability. From the standpoint of regulatory principles, together with corresponding supervisory measures and relevant provisions, this paper compared the execution of directives and provisions on GMF from the initial policies enacted by the US and EU to current situation combined with the track and analysis of latest polic ies issued.

College Students' Cognition of Genetically Modified Foods

In order to have knowledge about the college students'awareness and acceptance of genetically modified foods and their attitudes toward the identification of genetically modified foods and the government's regulation,we conduct a questionnaire survey of 150 college students'cognition of genetically modified foods in North College Town of Zhengzhou City.The results show that the college students have a certain understanding of genetically modified foods,but the cognition level is low;electronic media has become the main channel for the current college students to know the information about genetically modified foods;for security reasons,the majority of college students are wary of genetically modified foods,and pay more attention to whether there is genetically modified component in the foods labeling;college students generally believe that the government should strengthen the supervision of genetically modified foods,and make the GM labeling system strict,to protect consumers'right to know and choice.

Genetically Modified Doubts Imported GM soybeans impact China’s local farmers and create food safety concerns

The cooking oil made from the imported soybeans does not contain transgenic proteins. So there will be no food safety threat.

Genetically-Modified Organisms in United States Agriculture: Mandate for Food Labeling

The production of foods with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has risen rapidly over the past three decades to comprise nearly 90% of crops grown in the United States today. Currently, there are no mandates for labeling foods containing GMOs. GMO agricultural crops contain the insertion of genes encoding for pesticides, pesticide resistance, growth factors, or other substances not normally present. In addition to the foreign genes that are inserted, hundreds to thousands of mutations disrupt normal genes in GMO plants. Recently, animal studies have demonstrated toxicity of GMO foods causing organ failure, infertility, carcinomas and death. The FDA requirement of ingredients added to foods be labeled on the product is not applied to GMO foods, precluding the consumer’s right to know. GMOs provide an economic incentive to companies because the seeds can be patented, driving up costs and creating the potential for monopolies. Herbicide-resistance conferred by GMOs has resulted in higher pesticide applications, which correlate with higher human cancer rates, and the emergence of pesticide-resistant weeds and insects. GMO toxins are spreading into to non-target insects, waterways and aquatic organisms, with toxicity to non-target organisms and resultant contamination of disparate ecosystems in the food chain. The appropriateness of mandatory GMO labeling of foods in the United States is discussed.

Consumers’ Awareness of Genetically Modified Food and Their Willingness to Buy in Yanbian Prefecture

Having a clear understanding of consumers' awareness of genetically modified food and their willingness to buy, plays a very important role in formulating the regulatory policy of genetically modified food and regulating the market of genetically modified food. This paper takes the supermarket consumers as the study object. Through on-site questionnaire survey, we find that consumers' awareness of genetically modified food is not high in Yanbian Prefecture, and their willingness to buy is also low; the prices of genetically modified food, consumers' income, educational level and so on, are the main factors that affect the willingness to buy. Based on this, we put forth the relevant recommendations: increasing publicity efforts to safeguard consumers' right to know and choose; increasing supervision efforts to improve the existing regulatory system of genetically modified food; actively organizing forces to carry out the study on safety of genetically modified food.

An Empirical Study on the Genetically Modified Food Risk Perceived by the College Students with Different Majors

The debate about the safety of genetically modified foods has never stopped,and different consumers have different judgments. On the basis of literature research,this paper designs the corresponding questionnaire for empirical analysis. With the college students as the object of study,this paper explores the differences in perceived genetically modified food risk by the college students with different majors,as well as the differences in the information processing mode adopted by the college students with different majors,and the differences in the perceived risk after adopting different information processing mode. The results show that there are significant differences in the perceived genetically modified food risk among the college students with different majors,the economics students have the highest average perceived risk; there are also significant differences in the information processing mode adopted by the college students with different majors,and the perceived risk is different when using the heuristic information processing mode.

Advances in the Identification of Genetically Modified Rice with Real-time PCR and Multiplex PCR

In recent years, food security and safety have attracted increasing attention due to the worldwide research and development of genetically modified （GM） rice, and the controversy over the commercialization of GM rice. And the identification of GM rice is of great significance. Therefore, in the present study, the po- tential problems in the identification of GM rice with PCR were analyzed both at a technical level and from a theoretical perspective. In addition, PCR detection on the transgenic elements： promoter, terminator, internal reference gene and target gene was discussed, respectively. The possible solutions were proposed based on the principles of plant virology and genetic engineering.

The likely impact of genetically modified soybeans in the Brazilian collective feeding service

Objective: To expose the likely impact of genetically modified foods in Collective Feeding. Methods: This was a case study conducted on a steel company (SC) in Rio de Janeiro State. The likely impact recognition began with the preparation of a soy food products’ list. Then, we verified these products’ frequency on the Food and Nutrition Unit (FNU) menu from the SC, outlining the offer profile. We calculated odds ratios and binomial distribution probability for assessing exposure to soy that may be transgenic. Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) regarding soy products was applied. The convergence of daily products’ relative frequency of this population and the population from a reference study about FFQ validation in Rio de Janeiro was verified. Confrontation took place between the classification of foods by the consumers’ likely exposure to soy and the percentage deviation between observed relative frequency of products’ intake offered on the FNU and on the reference study. Results: A list of 51 products were created and 16 of them integrated the menu, e.g. flour, chicken, sausage, maize, instant pudding, bologna, hot dogs and peanuts. Food usually consumed by FNU users and concomitantly consumed in reference study were cookies, flour, spaghetti, bread, cake, instant pudding, sausage and hot dogs. By the classification and percentage deviations results, cookies, breads and pasta were the “villains” of soy’s susceptibility. Coclusion: It was possible to show the likely impact of genetically modified foods in Collective Feeding, confirming that these consumers were exposed to soybeans that may be transgenic.

A Novel Approach for Evaluation of Food Functions and Safety Applied in RR GM Soybeans

[Objective] This study aimed to evaluate tbe healthy risk of genetically modified （ GM ） soybeans by using a novel approach for functions and safety of food. [ Me^od] Different from traditional evaluation of substantial equivalence, three great innovations were performed in this study, involving in basic diet, evalu- ation approaches and principle, as well as the clarification of connotation differences between absolute and relative mass of organs. Hence a novel BDI-GS （Bendib Damage Index and General Score） evaluation approach was established and applied in comparative evaluation between RR GM and natural soybeans. Healthy male ICR mice during linear growth were selected; experimental mice were fed with 15% RR GM soybeans and 15% natural soybeans blending maize meal diets, and control mice were fed with single maize meal diet for 13 d; the mice were dissected after collecting blood samples and perfectly obtained nine organs or tissues to re- cord their masses and conduct statistical analyses. [Result] Plenty of matching information was obtained through simple design. The growth performance of treated mice was markedly of individual differences, some mice were thwarted due to regular intake of RR soybeans. Meanwhile, the functions and safety of RR soybeans were markedly lowered in overall nutritional and healthy effects than those of natural soybeans expressed in GS values, and presents some declines in nutrition and health of thymus, pancreas and spermary; especially, it can make thymus immune （P 〈0.05） in markedly lower level than that of natural soybeans. [ Conclusion] Therefore, major troubles and risks of RR soybeans intake are of personal risks in different degrees, in addition, it may increase sub-health and related chronic epi- demics risks, and herein it will presents certain safety issues. The creation of this novel evaluation system provides a simple and available evaluation approach for functions and potential risks revelation of food effects, and will yield far-reaching influences to safety evaluation and healthy development of GM foods, as well as public health.

转基因食品(GMF)标识管理及其检测技术研究进展

介绍世界主要国家和地区对转基因食品的标识管理法规,同时概述转基因食品检测技术的研究进展情况,并探讨监管与检测中的相关问题。

PCR技术在食品检测领域的国内标准使用现状及应用进展

PCR技术作为一种高效、快速、高灵敏度和高特异性的检测方法,被广泛应用于食品检测的各个领域中。文章归纳了PCR技术在国内食品检测标准中的应用现状,总结了该技术在食品致病菌检测、转基因食品检测、动物检疫、物种鉴定、过敏原检测及食品工业化生产过程中的应用情况,并根据自身的工作经验,指出了PCR技术的发展难点并展望了其发展前景,以期为PCR技术在食品检测领域的广泛应用提供参考和帮助。

转基因食品分析检测技术研究进展

随着转基因研发技术的快速发展及在农业领域产业化应用的不断推进,抗逆、抗病和高产优质的转基因(genetically modified,GM)作物品种日渐增多。但转基因食品(genetically modified food,GMF)在带来极大经济效益同时,其安全性也备受争议。因此,世界各国不断建立和完善GM产品标识制度,有些国家甚至规定了转基因成分(genetically modified ingredients,GMIs)具体阈值限量。为更好地对GMF安全性提供评价,识别和量化GMIs检测技术的持续创新与发展尤为重要。本文从基于外源核酸水平的检测技术和基于外源蛋白的检测技术两个方面,系统介绍了定性聚合酶链式反应(polymerase chain reaction,PCR)技术、定量PCR技术、等温扩增技术、基因组测序技术、酶联免疫吸附技术、免疫层析试纸条技术以及较新的CRISPR/Cas核酸检测技术等重要技术的原理、应用情况和研究进展,并总结分析各转基因食品成分检测技术的优缺点和亟需解决的难点问题,以期为促进GMF快速、准确及高通量检测技术发展,为确保我国GMF安全的高效准确的监督提供有效支撑。

中国与三大粮食主要生产国的单产变化趋势比较研究

粮食单产不仅是粮食安全的重要指标,同时也是科技进步的重要体现。在比较过去60年中国与三大粮食主要生产国的单产水平变动趋势和差异,并采用Tornqvist指数法分别测算1980—2020年中国三大粮食单产的投入产出和全要素生产率指数的基础上分析粮食单产变化的原因。研究发现:改革开放以来,中国三大粮食的单产增长与发达国家相比呈现不同的趋势,这一差异与政府研发体制和新技术采用的差异有关。中国未及时采用转基因玉米技术进一步扩大与美国的玉米单产差异。相对于知识产权容易保护的杂交玉米等作物,以跨国公司为主的种子公司对知识产权难以保护的小麦品种研发投入相对较少,使美国等国家的小麦单产水平增长慢于中国;转基因玉米的商业化种植扩大了美国、巴西等国家玉米单产与未批准该技术商业化种植国家玉米单产的差距。中国三大粮食单产的全要素生产率增速小麦>水稻>玉米,粮食单产增长主要以劳动节约和资金替代劳动的技术为特征。

阳信县城乡居民对转基因食品的态度与认知

目的:了解山东省滨州市阳信县城乡居民对转基因食品的态度与认知。方法:采用随机抽样的方法,对阳信县1000名城乡居民进行问卷调查。结果:大部分居民对转基因食品的概念、特性等相关知识有不同程度的了解,少部分被调查居民表示对转基因食品不了解,不同的了解水平与年龄、学历有关,与性别无关;约半数居民认为转基因食品对人类健康存在影响,其余居民认为无影响和表示不清楚,不同性别、不同年龄的居民对此问题认知存在差别;居民对转基因食品是否影响环境这个问题也持不同态度,不同学历水平居民对此问题的认知存在显著差异。结论:阳信县居民对转基因食品的认识仍有不足,应加强转基因食品知识的宣传教育。

转基因食品安全性评价与管理研究

随着现代生物科技发展,转基因技术得以广泛应用,但人们对转基因食品的安全性仍存有争议。因此,本文结合我国转基因食品发展现状,对转基因食品展开安全性评价,并提出保障转基因食品安全性的措施,旨在改善转基因食品生产环境,为转基因食品产业健康发展提供助力。

Genetic Engineering of Field, Industrial and Pharmaceutical Crops

Ability to modify plants at the genomic level by advanced molecular technology has enhanced the scope of improvements in plant traits attempted earlier through conventional breeding methods. Techniques such as genetic transformation have opened new vistas whereby functional genes, not commonly present in a particular species can be added from other species. The traits incorporated into the genetically engineered plants in the beginning were confined to those governed by dominant genes, e.g. insecticide resistance and herbicide tolerance but advancements with time now also permit the transfer of complexly inherited traits such as drought and cold tolerance. Transgenic technology is also useful in understanding gene expression and metabolic pathways which can then be used to harness the full genomic potential of the plant. This review presents a narrative on development of transgenics and their use for the improvement of field, industrial and pharmaceuticals crops. In addition, discussions are made on current status on genetically modified crops, hurdles to genetic engineering, overcoming strategies and future scope.

A Broad Spectrum Identification Approach for Two Generations of epsps GM Soybeans

In order to accurately identify the first and second generations of epsps genetically modified(GM) soybeans and related products,a broad spectrum identification approach was established using the real time Polymerase Chain Reaction(PCR) principle according to the homology of epsps genes of the first and second generations of GM soybeans.A pair of primer and probe was designed to simultaneously identify exogenous gene epsps of two generations of GM soybeans.Besides,evaluation was carried out on this approach from the accuracy,specificity,sensitivity and reproducibility.The experimental results indicated that(ⅰ) although there is certain difference in epsps gene sequence between the first and second generations of epsps genetically modified(GM) soybeans,the established approach can simultaneously detect the epsps genes of the bean curd using two generations of soybean as raw materials;(ⅱ) in the accuracy and specificity experiment,only cp4-epsps genes of two generations of GM soybeans were detected,so this approach has high specificity and accuracy;(ⅲ) in the experiment of 5 copies of epsps genes of 40 repeated identification reaction systems,5 copies of epsps genes can be detected each time,therefore at 100% confidence level,this approach can identify 5 copies of epsps genes,showing that this approach has high sensitivity and reproducibility.

美国农政体系与转基因商业化——兼论中国转基因作物推广的影响

尽管仍然存在争议,但是转基因技术从实验室技术到商业化发展是全球农业发展的重要进步。在这一历史进程中,美国农政体系发挥了重要作用,尤其是法律体系的谦抑性和政策体系的现实性。本文也正是由此入手,通过回溯美国转基因商业化相关的代表性法案和政策,讨论美国农政体系在科技进步与商业实现之间的关系。站在发展角度,美国的历史经验在中国推动转基因商业化的进程,尤其对经济社会影响及相关争议的处理是具备参考价值的。出于将问题具体化的考虑,本文以中国玉米品种转基因技术的全面推广和品种放开为例,评估中国转基因商业化的具体经济影响,其结果不仅包含转基因作物推广将大幅提升中国粮食产能裕度的事实,同时也可能改变国内农业生产结构和利益分配格局,甚至会间接影响中美农业贸易结构。这也对丰富和完善中国农政体制提出了全新的要求,在策略上谋划新的篇章。