October, 2000 . Volume 23, Number 9 
NCSU Extension Swine Husbandry
October, 2000 . Volume 23, Number 9
Although most U.S. consumers aren't aware of it, the vast majority of all processed foods in the U.S. (estimated 60%) contain some form of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
As of 1999, 47% of soybeans, 37% of corn, 33% of dairy cows, and 75% of all cheese use GMOs.
Ingredients made from genetically modified crops are present in various products made by Coca-Cola, Kellogg, General Mills, Betty Crocker, Heinz, Hershey, Quaker Oats, McDonald's and on and on.
There has been a consumer backlash in the European community on genetically modified foods. In response, the European Union passed a moratorium in 1998 on the introduction of new biotech foods. It also began imposing mandatory labeling for some foods that contain genetically modified ingredients. Regulators in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Canada are devising strategies for labeling such foods, and many other countries are considering similar actions. The four largest supermarket chains in the UK banned all GMOs from their shelves. In 1999, Nestle and Unilever announced plans to stop selling GMO foods in Europe.
As of yet, these concerns have not spread to America. But activist groups such as Green Peace and Friends of the Earth are working to awaken Americans to the issue. In November of 1999, environmental activists held demonstrations in Seattle denouncing GMOs. Although some (Frito-Lay, Heinz, and Gerber) are taking GMOs out of their food products, most companies are taking a cautious "wait and see" attitude. Uncertainty over GMOs has farmers edgy, and GMO planting could fall as much as 20-25% in 2000.
For years, the USDA, FDA and EPA have all approved the use of GMO crops to resist crop eating pests, withstand powerful herbicides, boost nutritional content and enhance overall crop production. However, in November of 1999 the U.S. House introduced the Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act, which would require the FDA to label all foods produced with GMOs.
Under other proposed USDA regulations, foods labeled "organic" cannot include GMOs or use irradiation; must contain 95% organically produced ingredients; meat must be fed 100% organically grown feed, given access to outdoor land, and the use of antibiotics is prohibited.
The big question is "Will U.S. consumers accept foods made with GMOs?"
Currently, consumers are unfamiliar with agricultural technologies in food production. Over 40% either "haven't heard of" or "don't know about" using biotechnology to improve resistance to pests or to improve production and other qualities or about using irradiation to kill bacteria (Philip Morris, 2000).
Because of lack of awareness and knowledge, currently consumers neither strongly favor nor disapprove of GMOs—26% think the benefits probably outweigh the risks and 18% think that foods that contain genetically engineered ingredients should be withdrawn (Gallup, 1999). Those strongly opposed associate modified foods with horrors such as birth defects, cancer and diabetes.
Consumers support biotechnology, especially if it reduces pesticide use (Philip Morris, 2000):
Lower-income and less-educated Americans lodge the strongest opposition to biotechnology, while those with college degrees and high incomes are the biggest proponents of biotechnology.
Those most familiar with biotechnology are more likely to favor its use in food production, while those who have no information about the subject are least supportive (Gallup, 1999).
Most consumers (68%) want labels disclosing genetically modified ingredients, even if it means a higher price for foods (Gallup, 1999). Another study found 88% agree that foods which contain genetically engineered ingredients should be labeled (Shopper Report, 2000).
Despite wanting labels, consumers still are open to purchasing GM foods. More than 50% of U.S. households would purchase environmentally enhanced food and beverages (The Hartman Group, 1999). Regarding irradiation, 80% of consumers would be likely to buy food products if they were labeled "irradiated to kill harmful bacteria" (Attitudes Toward Irradiation, 1998). However, USDA estimates only 40% of consumers would buy irradiated labeled food products.
In Yankelovich's consumer study, 75% of consumers would change their food consumption or purchasing patterns based on negative media stories dealing with bacteria, hepatitis, pesticide residues and food preparation. Because of the strong influence of the media, it is important for the food industry to be proactive in educating consumers with accurate information.
To preempt any consumer backlash and build support for GM foods, the FMI, the GMA, the American Farm Bureau Federation and about 30 other industry groups recently formed the Alliance for Better Foods.
The alliance's mission is to:
To monitor public awareness and acceptance, the NPPC has included questions on GMOs in their annual Meat Attitude Tracker Study. And the NPPC is co-sponsoring Technomic's study on consumer attitudes with food safety and modified foods at retail and foodservice (report available August 2000).
Dallas Hockman
National Pork Producers Council
Taken from: Twentieth Annual Prince Agri Products Feed Ingredient Conference, Aug. 22-23,
2000, Indianapolis, IN.
| Breeder | Address | Breeds |
| Bob Ivey* | 314 N.C. 111 S, Goldsboro 27530 | L, D, H, Y, CW, X |
| Wesley Looper* | 4695 Petra Mill Rd., Granite Falls 28630 | L, D, H, Y, X |
| Thad Sharp, Jr., & Sons | 5171 N.C. 581 Hwy., Sims 2788030 | D, Y, X |
| Tommy Spruill | Rt. 1, Box 149, Columbia 27925 | L, X |
| Thomas Farms | 8251 Oxford Rd., Timberlake 27583 | X |
| UCPRS (Swine Dev. Center) | Rt. 2, Box 400, Rocky Mount 27801 | X |
| *Real-Time Ultrasound | ||
Frank Hollowell
David Lee