This article uses a consumer survey to gather perceptions regarding food safety, gene editing and willingness to consume for three gene-edited food products. Four factors were found to strongly influence consumer perceptions: trust in the Canadian food safety system; food technology neophobia scores; knowledge of genetics; and self-knowledge of gene editing.

Respondents self-identified as having low levels of knowledge regarding plant breeding technologies that are used to develop new crops and ultimately food products, corroborating the findings of Sutherland et al. (2020a). The lack of knowledge creates uncertainties about new food products, resulting in consumers’ aversions to purchasing such products.

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Results of this research indicate that Canadian consumers have a more positive perspective about gene editing technology as compared to GM technology.

Trust in the Canadian food safety system and self-rated understanding of gene editing, as well as being neophobic point to the importance of the availability of scientific and reliable information for consumers about emerging food technology.

The research finds that surveyed Canadians have low levels of scientific knowledge, and a low level of self-rated knowledge of gene editing technology, which limits the consumption intention for GEd food products. There is, therefore, a definite need for better scientific disclosure to educate consumers about gene editing technology.

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