U.S. Public Awareness and Knowledge of and Interest in Biotechnology: A Principal Component Factor Analysis

Unlike earlier surveys based studies on public attitudes and perceptions of biotechnology, this study investigates the importance of consumers' awareness and knowledge of and interest in biotechnology. Results suggest that Americans are largely unaware of both of the presence in their lives of GM food and of its wide application in food production. In view of this, many Americans would like to see more GM media coverage. Additionally, most Americans are unfamiliar with the laws and safety testing regarding GM food.