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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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。

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。

Domestication of Marama Bean in Arid Namibia: Challenges and Opportunities in a Climate Changing Agroecology

Tylosema esculentum (Burch.) A. Schreib. (Marama bean), referred to as marama in sections of this article, is an obligate outcrossing native plant with a yield potential of 2 ton/hectare which grows naturally in the deep sandy soils of the Kalahari Desert. It has adapted to the low precipitation levels in that agro-ecosystem. Marama serves as a staple food for the San and Bantus in that area. In Namibia, in the past you could find wild stands of marama in the Khomas region, Omaheke region, and the Otjozondjupa region without must struggle. It is renowned for its brown seeds, which are rich in high-quality oils and proteins. The tuberous root contains a significant amount of starch. The objective of domesticating orphaned marama is to provide farmers in this climate change-prone region with a viable alternative for food and nutrition security. This program, initiated in 2008 with an open-minded mindset, required swift implementation using harsh and occasionally unconventional methods. To introduce indigenous tools for resource-poor farmers, the domestication program prioritized the utilization of farmer-participatory methodologies. It was crucial to integrate old and new approaches to ensure learning from past and present experiences, leading to innovative solutions. There is little research and development of native crops in Africa because most of the currently cultivates crops were brought for use from abroad. Only a few numbers of indeginous African crops can be named. The arid Kalahari region, susceptible to climate change, necessitates the revival of indigenous crops like marama, which are resilient and well-adapted to the region’s conditions and have thrived for centuries. In many discussions regarding the health and nutrition of Africa, the recommendation to consume traditional foods to avoid exposure to modern foods, which may not be genetically compatible, is frequently emphasized. Regardless of their validity, these opinions must be acknowledged, and steps need to be taken to ensure a positive legacy for future generations. However, this chapter will address the limitations and challenges that exist in this regard. This article will summarize the progress made in the domestication program of the marama bean in Namibia thus far. Furthermore, this article will highlight the challenges that have been faced during the domestication journey for marama bean and other orphaned crops. The domestication program commenced with a broad germplasm collection, characterization, and preselection for breeding. Crop selection in this program was influenced by climate change-related concerns of shorter and uncertain rain seasons, and recurrent droughts. Selection included but was not limited to identifying marama genotypes with superior characteristics, early germination and many seeds per pod were among some of the identified and selected characteristics. The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has compiled a list of potential marama bean varieties and is currently testing marama seeds in anticipation of their introduction as a new crop alternative with good adaptation to the effects of climate change, since conventional crops like maize underperform due to persistent droughts. Marama bean, if properly developed, holds significant potential to address issues of hunger and malnutrition in arid regions of Southern Africa and other similar territories. The findings presented here are the result of ongoing field research and experiments conducted at multiple sites using superior marama bean varieties.

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。

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。

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。

核酸检测技术鉴别转基因食品

转基因作物给农民乃至社会带来巨大的效益,但其安全性备受争议,转基因食品的检测引发了学者的高度重视。重点介绍了几种常用的鉴别转基因食品的核酸检测技术,如基因芯片技术、PCR、环介导等温扩增(Loop-med-iated Isothermal Amplification,LAMP)、重组酶聚合酶扩增(Recombinase Polymerase Amplification,RPA)、交叉引物等温扩增(Cross Prime Amplification,CPA)。对这些技术的原理、优缺点进行了总结并对其进行展望。提出梯型熔解温度等温扩增(Ladder-Shape Melting Temperature Isothermal Amplification,LMTIA)技术,推进核酸检测技术的研究及在转基因食品检测中的应用。在转基因食品的检测中,RT-PCR,LAMP,LMTIA等均能检出0.01%以下的含量,可用于定量检测,表明这些核酸技术在转基因食品的检测有很好的应用前景。

南亚国家转基因作物发展及相关政策分析

南亚国家农村人口众多,农业主要是小农经营。随着近年来人口急剧增长,以及干旱天气和极端气候频繁发生,加之较为落后的生产方式等,南亚国家对粮食问题的担忧一直存在。尽管转基因作物在南亚国家还存在诸多争议,但转基因作物的出现为解决其农业发展中遇到的问题提供了一种方法。南亚国家对转基因作物发展采取谨慎原则,旨在维护其粮食安全和生物多样性、保护小农利益。展望未来,南亚国家会加强转基因作物研发,注重自有技术,完善转基因作物监管政策,保障转基因作物与传统作物共存,加强区域合作进行转基因作物研发生产以及进出口。南亚国家转基因作物的发展情况及相关政策,可为中国、亚太及世界其他地区提供借鉴与启示。

转基因食品安全的领域归属与法律规制

转基因食品安全领域通常会存在着各利益主体在领域归属确认与安全规制过程中的利益博弈。运用博弈论思维,构建博弈模型对法律领域与科学领域主体在食品安全规制下的交互策略选择进行分析可知,法律领域是转基因食品安全规制的正当性基础来源。从经济效益与潜在风险视角看,明确转基因食品安全的概念及其领域归属、遵循法律规制理论与实践动态差别化经验、借鉴欧盟设置的严格规制模式以及探究我国转基因食品安全的规制路径,具有重要意义。在我国涉及转基因食品安全立法的文件中,《食品安全法》等相关规范的硬法属性不足,应该采取“以外促进”方式,推进转基因基本法律规范的制定实施,建立健全转基因食品标识制度,拓展转基因食品领域公众参与监管途径,完善转基因食品安全侵权救济举措,多渠道创新规制路径以便有效应对转基因食品安全风险。在转基因食品安全的法律领域归属明确之后,相关领域规范性法律文件应将重点放在协调人身权益或是生态权益与成本收益之间的冲突,突出安全健康的优先地位。

粮食安全背景下实现食品与生态安全的法律路径

粮食问题是影响国计民生的要务,粮食安全更是占据重要战略地位,关系到国家的经济发展、社会进步。改革开放以来,粮食供给压力逐渐因迅猛发展的“石油农业”而有所缓解,带来的却是农业面源污染和食品安全事故系统性爆发。耕地被污染破坏,“农药”“激素”等看得见的食品安全问题与“转基因”等看不见的食品安全风险并存,严重危害生态环境与人体系统,亟需通过制定《农药管理法》《转基因食品安全法》等法律法规来进行管制。文章有针对性地对现行法律中存在的立法、监管、责任、防治机制等问题进行构建与完善。针对耕地保护法律对策进行研究,加强粮食农药污染防控的法律应对并找到适合我国转基因食品安全的立法模式,从而实现粮食安全、生态安全、食品安全的协同可持续发展。