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Consumer Awareness and Acceptance of Biotechnological Solutions for Gluten-Free Products

TitleConsumer Awareness and Acceptance of Biotechnological Solutions for Gluten-Free Products
Publication TypeArticolo su Rivista peer-reviewed
Year of Publication2023
AuthorsSangiorgio, Paola, Errico Simona, Verardi Alessandra, Massa Silvia, Pagliarello Riccardo, Marusic Carla, Lico Chiara, Presenti Ombretta, Donini Marcello, and Baschieri Selene
JournalFoods
Volume12
Issue9
Pagination1808
Date PublishedJan-05-2023
ISSN23048158
Abstract

Celiac disease is an immune-mediated disorder caused by the ingestion of gluten proteins. The gluten-free diet is currently the only therapy to achieve the symptoms’ remission. Biotechnological approaches are currently being explored to obtain safer and healthier food for celiacs. This article analyzes consumer awareness and acceptance of advanced biotechnologies to develop gluten-free products. An online snowball sampling questionnaire was proposed to 511 Italian participants, selected among celiac and non-celiac people, from December 2020 to January 2021, during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, 64% of respondents favor food biotechnology, as long as it has benefits for health or the environment. Moreover, biotechnology perception differs according to education level and type. A total of 65% of the survey participants would taste gluten-free products obtained through a biotechnological approach, and 57% would buy them at a higher price than the current market price. Our results show a change in public opinion about the usefulness of food biotechnology and its moral acceptability compared to 20 years ago. However, the study of public opinion is very complex, dealing with individuals with social, economic, and cultural differences. Undoubtedly, the scientific dissemination of genetic biotechnologies must be more effective and usable to increase the level of citizens’ awareness. © 2023 by the authors.

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URLhttps://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85159189801&doi=10.3390%2ffoods12091808&partnerID=40&md5=37ceaab5968cdcde5cc7c3ba7aa73205
DOI10.3390/foods12091808
Short TitleFoods
Citation KeySangiorgio2023