Title: Social risk perception of genetically modified foods: towards a theoretical framework

Authors: Sedigheh Ghasemi; Mostafa Ahmadvand; Ezatollah Karami; Hossein Azadi

Addresses: Department of Rural Development Management, Yasouj University, Yasouj, 75918-74831, Iran ' Department of Rural Development Management, Yasouj University, Yasouj, 75918-74831, Iran ' Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 7144165186, Iran ' Department of Economics and Rural Development, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium

Abstract: The debates over uncertainty about the possible undesirable impacts on human and the environmental safety of GM foods have increased. Most of these debates are rooted in different risk perceptions of various societal stakeholders. Despite growing studies on GM foods' knowledge, attitude, or behaviour, few have documented the risk perception models to assess stakeholders' risk perceptions. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a model to explain the social risk perception of GM foods. To this end, current risk perception theories and models were critically reviewed, then an attempt was made to develop an integrated and more comprehensive model called the "Comprehensive Social Risk Perception Model" (CSRPM). Addressing the theoretical and methodological weakness of conventional models, CSRPM could be a complementary model to more effectively study the social risk perception of GM foods in developed and developing countries. Furthermore, CSRPM can also be used in ex-ante and ex-post risk assessments.

Keywords: GM foods; risk assessment models; social risk perception; agricultural development; agricultural extension; safe food; GM technology; consumer acceptance; food label information; consumer rights; perceived benefits.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAM.2022.130536

International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management, 2022 Vol.25 No.3/4, pp.129 - 150

Accepted: 15 Dec 2022
Published online: 26 Apr 2023 *

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