Psychological concepts, public relations, and scientific responses to genetically modified organisms (GMOS)

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are defined as organisms (e.g., plants, animals, and microorganisms) whose genetic information (i.e., DNA) is modified. Commercialization of GMOs has become an issue for an intense debate between parts of Europe and America, as well as within some developing countries. The main issues involve long-term health and environmental risks of using GMOs, safety assessment for their approval process, and consumers' right to choose. Consumer acceptance, a main factor driving genetic engineering development, seem mixed, especially after the European Union decided to require labeling for GM products. Deutsche Bank predicted that GM products might become discounted particularly in food industries. This paper uses psychological concepts to help explain scientific and public responses to GM products, to study stakeholders' tradeoffs and finally to express some suggestion for policy setting.