Abstract

material has been manipulated artificially in a laboratory through genetic engineering This relatively new science creates unstable combinations of plant animal bacterial and viral genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods Non-GMO Project 2015 With so many food options available the aim of this study is to explore food purchasing trends of college students to determine how awareness of GMOs affects their likelihood of buying non-GMO products Data were collected from 214 students at a southern university using an electronic questionnaire Results showed that even prior to survey completion students had a relatively good knowledge of GMOs They also felt this information would increase their likelihood of buying non-GMO products In terms of cost the majority agreed they would purchase non-GMO products if prices were lower Additionally most respondents disagreed when asked whether gender affected their perception of GMOs Ideasfor further research were also explored