Nicosia:A recent Special Eurobarometer conducted by the European Commission indicates that 69% of respondents in Cyprus hold a negative view of innovative foods. Only 21% of those surveyed expressed a positive opinion on such foods, while 77% admitted to not feeling well-informed about them, including their ingredients and methods of production.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the survey also highlights that Cypriots show a significant reluctance to purchase food products containing ingredients produced using microorganisms. A substantial 78% of respondents in Cyprus stated they would not buy these products, despite compliance with EU safety standards and clear labelling. In comparison, the figure stands at 54% across the European Union.
The survey details further indicated that plant-based protein products, which are obtained through new methods, have the highest acceptance rate among innovative foods in Cyprus, with 28% of respondents feeling comfortable consuming them. However, this is notably lower than the 47% acceptance rate across the EU. Similarly, acceptance for foods produced via fermentation using microorganisms and those cultivated from animal cells is also lower in Cyprus compared to EU averages.
Concerns about innovative foods in Cyprus are primarily related to potential unknown long-term health effects, as cited by 38% of respondents. There is also a perception of such foods being highly processed or unnatural, and concerns over a lack of clear information on production methods and origin. Trust issues with the companies producing these foods were also reported.
Potential benefits of food innovation, such as providing new tools for farmers and food producers, were acknowledged by 24% in Cyprus, while food security and reducing pressure on natural resources were less frequently cited benefits compared to EU averages. Transparency and clear labelling are seen as crucial for building trust, with 41% of Cypriots indicating that mandatory, clear labels would enhance their confidence in innovative foods.
The Eurobarometer survey, conducted between 26 May and 24 June 2026, included 26,456 participants from all 27 EU Member States, with 502 interviews conducted specifically in Cyprus. The findings underscore a general skepticism towards innovative foods in Cyprus, with significant emphasis on the need for transparency and regulation to address public concerns.