The US Meat Export Federation recently commissioned consumer surveys in four key international markets for US pork – Mexico, Canada, Japan and Colombia – to gather information on consumers’ perceptions of pork from gene-edited pigs.

USMEF surveyed 4,065 adults: 1,017 from Mexico, 1,030 from Canada, 1,018 from Japan and 1,000 from Colombia.

Across markets, USMEF found that the majority, more than 51% of those surveyed, were ambivalent toward pork from gene-edited pigs. USMEF found that virtually no one surveyed thinks of gene editing as a food-relevant technology.

Consumers surveyed noted that clear labeling is essential for pork from gene-edited pigs; this a critical step in product transparency and consumer trust.

Naturalness is another consideration, especially in Japan and Canada, where there is confusion about the difference between gene-editing technology and lab-grown meat, as well as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). USMEF noted that this confusion and concern impacts consumer perceptions of naturalness, as well as animal welfare and sustainability.

Across markets, even with a provided definition for pork from gene-edited pigs, many surveyed consumers remain unsure. Overall, consumers do not see clear benefits for gene-edited pork. Rather, concerns over unknown effects and health risks dominate consumer perception.

Source: US Meat Export Federation