Perception of organic, functional and genetically modified foods – a study among consumers in Gdynia, Poland

• Published in: Scientific Papers of Silesian University of Technology. Organization and Management Series Vol. 2023; no. 182; pp. 265 - 284
• Main Authors: Mikulec, Anna T., Radzymińska, Monika, Mikulec, Karolina, Platta, Anna M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2023
• ISSN: 1641-3466
• DOI: 10.29119/1641-3466.2023.182.16

Purpose: The main objective of the research was to identify the factors, including gender and generation, which affect the decision-making process of purchasing and consuming organic, functional, and GMO foods. Design/methodology/approach: The research instrument was a survey questionnaire administered through the CAWI method using Google forms. The survey was conducted in spring 2023 among a group of 194 respondents in Gdynia, Sopot and Gdansk in the Pomeranian Voivodeship (Northern Poland). To select the respondents for the survey sample, the snowball sampling technique was used. They also acknowledged the inherent risk factors associated with conducting an interview using the CAWI method. The interview questionnaire consisted of thematic blocks including scales on: subjective self-assessment of health and diet, attitudes towards organic food, functional food, GMOs and health and health values of food. Findings: The assessment of respondents' attitudes towards different types of food: organic, functional and GMO foods, as well as health and health values of food, showed mostly ambivalent attitudes of respondents in the subject studied. Research limitations/implications: The research carried out has certain limitations. The identification of factors influencing the attitudes of consumers belonging to generations X, Y, Z towards organic, functional and GMO food, as well as the health and health values of food, was carried out using a snapshot sample of the inhabitants of Gdynia. The results of the survey are therefore not representative of the entire Polish population and should be interpreted with caution. Practical implications: The results of this study can be used as a basis for discussion and consideration of the development of intelligent food systems using information and communication technologies (ICT). These systems will provide consumers (Generations X, Y, Z) with knowledge about the range and quality of organic, functional and GMO foods and help to meet the nutritional needs of societies. Social implications: The research conducted is part of health risk management and health promotion in the Polish population. Originality/value: The results of the pilot study indicate that respondents' knowledge of the nutritional value and safety of organic, functional and GMO products is very low. Changing respondents' attitudes from ambivalent to positive towards organic and functional foods will lead to an expansion of the range of foods consumed and minimise the risk of developing non- communicable diseases, including metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Keywords: attitudes to food, quality of food, quality of life, health, consumer behaviour of generations X, Y, Z. Category of the paper: Research paper.