Belgian dietitians knowledge, perceptions and willingness-to-recommend of genetically modified food and organisms

BackgroundDietitians play a critical role in the public's relationship with food and are often overlooked as an important stakeholder group in the general debate about sustainable food. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are one type of modern food source that could contribute to a more sustainable food system. This case study is the first to examine the knowledge, perception and willingness-to-recommend (WTR) genetically modified (GM) foods by dietitians in Europe.MethodsAn online survey was addressed to all members of the Flemish Association of Dietitians (Belgium) in 2021, resulting in a sample of 98 valid responses. Multivariate linear regression included sociodemographic, knowledge, and attitudinal factors as the independent variables to explain dietitians' WTR.ResultsFlemish dietitians had limited knowledge of GMOs; only about half of the GM questions were answered correctly. Most dietitians (53%-76%) would recommend GMOs with positive effects on human nutrition or sustainability, whereas few dietitians (19%-27%) would recommend other GMO applications. Trust in GMO information sources and perceived GM benefits significantly influenced a positive WTR of GM foods. Predominant negative information about GM foods was significantly associated with dietitians' low trust and WTR such foods.ConclusionsCountering the predominantly negative portrayal with more neutral and factual information could improve trust, which in turn could positively influence dietitians' perceptions towards GMOs. By further examining the knowledge and perception of dietitians worldwide GMOs and gene-edited products, new insights could be could gathered into the positioning of this underexposed stakeholder group. This novel study is the first to investigate the European dietitians' knowledge and perception towards genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Perceptions of genetically modified (GM) benefits and trust in GMO information sources are identified as key determinants of dietitians' willingness-to-recommend GM food.image This novel study is the first to investigate knowledge and perception of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) among European dietitians.Perceptions of genetically modified (GM) benefits and trust in GMO information sources were identified as key determinants of dietitians' willingness-to-recommend GM foods.