Browsing by Author "Jonker, Kari"
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- ItemDetermining the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices of the adult consumer in the City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, regarding the inclusion of genetically modified foods in the diet(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Jonker, Kari; Koen, Nelene; Pentz-Kluyts, Megan; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Global Health. Human Nutrition.ENGLISH SUMMARY : Introduction: South Africa (SA) is the ninth largest producer of genetically modified (GM) foods in the world, and the only country to genetically modify one of its staple foods, maize meal. Despite the consumer being one of the major stakeholders in the long-term success of this technology, very little research has been done within SA on the stance of the consumer regarding GM foods. Objectives: To determine 1) the level of knowledge of the adult consumer regarding GM foods and genetic engineering, 2) the attitudes, beliefs and practices relating to genetic engineering and GM foods in the diet, and 3) whether there are any differences in the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices according to consumer characteristics such as gender, age, education level and income. Study Design: An observational, descriptive study design, with an analytical component. A mixed-methods approach was employed, with Phase One being in the quantitative domain, and Phase Two in the qualitative domain. Methods: For the quantitative phase, consumers (n=200) were recruited from eight grocery stores across the City of Cape Town (CoCT). Data on demographics, knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices was collected using a researcher-administered questionnaire. Qualitative data was collected by means of five focus-group discussions (FGDs) (n=36) conducted across the CoCT. Results: The overall knowledge score of participants was 43,6%, with a statistically significant correlation between education level and the achieved knowledge score (p<0,01). Overall, participants were found to have a more negative attitude towards GM foods, which was also evident in the FGDs. Both an increased knowledge score (p<0,01) and a higher level of education (p<0,01) correlated with having a more negative attitude towards GM foods. The majority of participants were of the opinion that GM foods were acceptable when developed to improve the nutritional value of foods (70,0%), and to increase food availability (75,5%), with food insecurity, an increasing population and drought conditions being raised in the FGDs. Concerns about the long-term health (74,5%) and environmental (74,5%) effects were raised during both Phase One and Two. There was a definite preference for non-GM foods (78,0%), which dropped to just over half when GM foods were offered at a better price (53,5%). Participants were of the opinion that consumers benefited the least from having GM foods available in SA. The vast majority felt strongly that GM foods should be labelled (97,5%) and the public consulted before the release of GM foods (92,5%). A more positive attitude towards GM foods significantly decreased the likelihood of reading food labels (p<0,01). Conclusion: Campaigns to improve consumer awareness on GM foods within SA need to be strengthened and monitored for effectiveness, and the public should be included in any further decision making. Public concerns regarding the safety and sustainability of GM foods should be addressed through long-term research studies, and these results should be made available to consumers in an understandable manner. The implementation and monitoring of food labelling regulations indicating the GM status of foods are pivotal to consumers being able to make informed choices.