Korean Journal of Community Nutrition (대한지역사회영양학회지)

The Korean Society of Community Nutrition (대한지역사회영양학회)
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Monitoring of Genetically Modified Bean Sprouts at Traditional Markets in Seoul and a Survey of Perception of Traditional Market Merchants and High School Students on Genetically Modified Organisms

서울 일부지역 재래시장의 유전자재조합 콩나물의 판매실태 및 상인과 일부 고등학생의 유전자재조합 식품에 대한 인식도 조사

  • Choi, Seul-Ki (Graduate School of Public Health & Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University) ;
  • Lim, Jung-Hoon (Health & Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University) ;
  • Shin, Jee-Seong (Health & Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University) ;
  • Jeong, Jin-An (Joongdong High School) ;
  • Joung, Hyo-Jee (Graduate School of Public Health & Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University)
  • 최슬기 (서울대학교 보건대학원.서울대학교 보건환경연구소) ;
  • 임정훈 (단국대학교부속고등학교) ;
  • 신지성 (단국대학교부속고등학교) ;
  • 정진안 (중동고등학교) ;
  • 정효지 (서울대학교 보건대학원.서울대학교 보건환경연구소)
  • Received : 2010.05.18
  • Accepted : 2010.09.14
  • Published : 2010.10.31
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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to monitor genetically modified bean sprouts at traditional markets in Seoul and to investigate perception of traditional market merchants and high school students on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). We analyzed 30 bean sprouts that were selected at 11 traditional markets in Seoul using the method of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Also, we compared perception of GMOs between merchants (n = 30) and students (n = 126). Knowledge test about GMOs was performed by students. The result of PCR, 16.7% of bean sprouts were confirmed as GM bean sprouts (n = 5). Students had significantly more exposure to information about GMOs than merchants (p < 0.05). Major information sources about GMOs were from mass media (television, newspaper and radio). About half of subjects were not aware that they eat GMOs and GMOs are sold to consumers. Only 17.3% of subjects had constant eating intent for GMOs after perceiving foods that he/she usually eats are GMOs. 51.3% of subjects had willingness to purchase GMOs if GMOs have same quality and lower cost than natural foods. 37.2% of subjects thought that GMOs would be harmful to humans. Students had more positive perception of GMOs' side effects than merchants (p < 0.01). There was no merchant who knew labeling of GMOs. 19.1% of students knew labeling of GMOs. Students' mean percentage of correct answers of six questions about GMOs was 45.2%. Therefore, providing adequate information about GMOs is needed for consumer's choice whether to purchase GMOs or not.

Keywords

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