Acceptance of nanotechnology in food and food packaging: a path model analysis

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine factors that may influence the acceptance of nanotechnology products in the food domain. Data come from a representative mail survey conducted in the German‐speaking part of Switzerland (n = 514). Participants received information about six realistic nanotechnology food and food packaging applications. Results showed that trust, general attitude toward technology and attitude toward gene technology influenced perceived benefits of the applications. Trust, attitude toward gene technology and preferences for healthy and organic food influenced perceived risks of nanotechnology applications. Willingness to buy nanotechnology food and packaging products was strongly influenced by perceived benefits and weakly influenced by perceived risks. Furthermore, the study showed that food and packaging applications containing nanoparticles are perceived differently, the latter receiving greater acceptance.