7students’ awareness and perception about genetically modified food

Abstract

Genetic engineering and Biotechnology are the promising discipline of study in the global market. Genetic alterations are carried in indigenous species with increased sophisticated strategies and techniques to yield hybrid varieties. In Food biotechnology, Genetically Modified Foods have become new, revolutionary and emerging concepts to fulfil the food crisis encountered by developing countries such as India. Genetically Modified foods are produced from the native species by genetically modifying the genes and the modifications are created in accordance to the requirement of the end users. Different indigenous ancient species have been merged to produce new hybrid varieties that are healthy and offers many benefits. Many GM food products are accessible in the markets like grain hemp, honey, tomato, sweet potato, sweet corn, meat, essential oils etc. Developed countries possess a wide understanding about GM foods, its labelling and traceability. However in Developing countries like India, the individuals are unaware about GM foods and they ingest the food without knowing that it is genetically altered. Since awareness about GM foods are less amongst the population, Government need to take necessary measures to analyse about impacts caused by GM foods on human population and implement legislations in order to label the GM food items. As students are definitely the asset and the back bone in developing country they must be conscious of what they consume. The current study is in order to know about students’ awareness on genetically modified food products and their perception towards GM foods. The Sample involves 163 college students of arts and science in and around Chennai metropolis.