Abstract:
Introduction -Genetically modified foods (GMFs) are foods containing Genetically Modified (GM) ingredients produced by using modern molecular and cellular biology techniques. People are widely exposed to GM foods through either direct or indirect consumption of processed foods produced using GM ingredients. After the inception of the first commercial GMFs in the early 90s, contentions arose with regards to the potential benefits and risks to human health and the environment.
Method -This cross sectional descriptive study examined the perceptions of students of the University of Ghana about GMFs effects on health. A total of 194 students from different colleges of the University participated in the study. Data entry and analysis was done using STATA 13. Chi square was used to assess the association between the outcome variables and explanatory variables. P < 0.05 was used to denote statistical significance.
Results -The study revealed that the students had high awareness of GMOs and GMFs. The study also found television and radio as the students’ major source of information on GM issues. Generally, many of the students believed that consumption of GMFs could be harmful to health with cancer and allergy as their major concern. However, others also thought enhanced nutrient content of GMFs as a major health benefit.
Conclusion - There should be awareness creation and educational campaigns of GMFs to help the general public to make well informed decisions and become actively involved in the decision making process. Finally, studies tracking public opinion should be conducted regularly, in order to determine awareness levels, capture the impact of awareness activities, the perceptions and reveal trends to inform policy and practice.
