The social aspects of food biotechnology: a European view

The application of the modern biotechnology to food, notably through the us e of GM, has raised concern amongst the European public. Values that underl ie this public concern about food biotechnology, include perceptions of: tr ust, choice, need, and carl for a sustainable society and natural balance. Recommendations are advocated for addressing these social aspects, in terms of improving consumer choice, promoting greater public involvement in deci sion making and achieving a sustainable society. A model of risk analysis f or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and genetically modified food that incorporates this social dimension, through the integration of risk analys is with a social impact analysis is proposed, in order to build greater pop ular trust into the decision making processes. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B. V. All rights reserved.