Objective  To examine genetically modified food (GMF)-related cognition, intention of consumption, and information resource among consumers in Shanxi province fro providing references for production and consumption of GMF.

  Methods  We recruited 2 500 residents in 34 counties/districts of 5 municipalities in Shanxi province using stratified multistage random sampling and conducted a face-to-face questionnaire survey from December 2016 to March 2017.

  Results  The response rate of the survey was 88.6%. Univariate analysis showed that respondents′ cognition on GMF differed significantly by age (χ² = 57.674, P < 0.01), education (χ² = 69.910, P < 0.01), marital status (χ² = 40.325, P < 0.01), occupation (χ² = 89.480, P < 0.01), family size (χ² = 6.316, P < 0.05), and Engel′s coefficient (χ² = 10.629, P < 0.05). Multivariate analyses indicated that education, occupation and Engel′s coefficient were significant influencing factors for cognition on GMF of the respondents. The respondents′ intention of GMF consumption was significantly impacted by perceptions on GMF′s safety (χ² = 48.706, P < 0.01), nutritional content (χ² = 48.706, P < 0.01) and price (χ² = 71.894, P < 0.01). Television programs, mobile phones and the internet were main ways for the respondents to obtain GMF-related knowledge.

  Conclusion  The cognition on GMF is at a low level among consumers, especially among those with low education, in Shanxi province, suggesting that targeted education programs on GMF need to be promoted among the public.