Posted: July 28th, 2016

The FSA is an independent UK Government department set up in 2000 to protect the public’s health and consumer interests in relation to food.

The FSA is an independent UK Government department set up in 2000 to protect the public’s health and consumer interests in relation to food. Imagine that you have been asked to advise the Food Standards Agency (FSA) about how to inform the public about the risks and benefits posed by genetically modified food. a) What are the main factors which influence how people perceive risk? Use theory to justify your answer. b) Give two examples of events or hazards which are perceived very differently by the general public, and explain why. c) Based on your answer given in a) how do you think people will perceive GM food and why? Focus on the theory surrounding how people perceive risk. d) What advice would you give the FSA when communicating the risks and benefits associated with GM food?