Abstract:The debate around genetically modified organisms (GMO) is one of the worldwide hot topic and is becoming more complicated in China.The present study aims at analyzing the difference in attitudes to GMO technology and produce between Chinese and American citizens with survey data.The statistical results showed that only 26% of Chinese think they understand GMO technology,lower than 40% in United States and 17.8%% of Chinese think the GMO produce are safe to eat,in contrast to 39% in United States.To further analyze why the public is suspicious of GMO,the present study summarizes 14 negative rumors about GMO,covering several aspects such as food safety,technological innovation,environmental protection,social equality,clean government,nationalism and religious faith.The results showed that all of those rumors have acquired a considerable amount of popularity and public recognition.65.9% of the respondents agree with the rumor that providing GM foods to major international events such as Olympic Game and the World Expo is forbidden.45.3% of the respondents agree with the rumor that American Monsanto has destroyed the soybean industry in China and GM Foods is a huge conspiracy and biological weapon against the developing country.In light of this,it is challenging for scientific knowledge alone to mitigate the public distrust of GMO and science communication is also needed for supply-side reform.