Urban Consumer’s Attitudes Toward Genetically Modified Organisms and Foods in Turkey

The present study, which is a first because it has a quality and design reflecting urbanite consumers across Turkey with a sampling tolerance of 2.83%, was conducted by using face-to-face interview technique with consumers (n=1222) specified through stratified random sampling method layered in homes and offices to determine awareness of genetic modification (GM) and GM foods of urban consumers. The obtained data were examined by considering socioeconomic status (SES), age and gender refractions. Although it is believed that GM and GM foods are advantageous economically, a negative attitude and perception was determined in especially expressions prepared according to five-point Likert scale due to considerations related to consumers’ health, environment and biological diversification. Although consumers’ attitude generally does not vary between age and gender groups, it was observed that subgroups, especially DE SES group, had more hospitable approach to (GM) and GM foods relatively compared to higher groups.