The Role of Public (Mis)perceptions in the Acceptance of New Food Technologies: Implications for Food Nanotechnology Applications

New food technologies encounter problems with successfully entering the consumer market due to perceived public perceptions and concerns. Communication of new developments in food processing plays a critical role in public perceptions and adoption of new food technologies. The presentation of science by the media can affect the public perception of science and public support for legislation and policy. The genetic modification of food is a key example of how information dissemination has impacted public perceptions of the technology. Nanotechnology is creating a revolution in food packaging. The successful adoption of new food technologies is not guaranteed, regardless of scientific support, economic value, enhanced benefits, and minimum risks. The public demands participation in scientific and technical decisions in a move from an uncritical acceptance of new science and technology to solve social and historical problems to one of social scrutiny linked to the perceptions of risks and benefits of development.