gowerpub.com gowerpub.com gowerpub.com gowerpub .com gowerpub .com gowerpub .com gowerpub .com gowerpub .com gowerpub .com © Copyrighted Material © Copyrighted Material chapter 8 Critical Aspects of Consumption of Genetically Modiied Foods in Italy By Marco Platania * and donatella Privitera † Keywords GM products, consumer behaviour, factor analysis. abstract In this chapter, we examine the problems connected with the perception and rejection of genetically modiied (GM) foods in Italy, highlighting both external factors and subjective, psychological and social issues that may affect acceptance rates. Using multivariate analysis, we also test whether interview respondents have homogeneous attitudes towards new GM technologies. introduction and Background Modern biotechnologies offer the promise of improving people’s living conditions, yet despite these possibilities, we still know little about the long-term effects of interactions between GM or transgenic organisms and the environment, nor are the potential advantages or negative consequences of GM products clear for human health. The worldwide debate over GM products is heated; in Italy in particular, the issue has created great doubt and perplexity – not least because it contrasts with that country’s general strategy to promote traditional, small to medium-sized enterprises that typify the * Dr Marco Platania, Dipartimento DiSTAfA, ‘Mediterannea’ University of Reggio Calabria, località Feo di Vito, 89061 Reggio Calabria, Italy. E-mail: marco.platania@unirc.it. † Dr Donatella Privitera, Dipartimento DiSTAfA, ‘Mediterannea’ University of Reggio Calabria, località Feo di Vito, 89061 Reggio Calabria, Italy. E-mail: donatella.privitera@unirc.it. Chapter 8.indd 121 1/19/2012 11:36:59 AM