Valid scientific evidence is lacking as to whether GMOs are healthy or unhealthy in the long run. However, support is building for the position that regardless of the outcome, consumers have the right to know and to make an informed decision. Producers in the U.S. have placed pressure on Europe to withdraw their requirements for the labeling of GMO foods, as they claim that this attitude towards GMO foods will influence decisions in the U.S. (Raab & Grobe, 2003). However, so far, these challenges have been met with resistance and labeling practices continue to spread.
On a national level, the battle still rages, but on an international level, the scales seem to tip towards the pro-labeling side and the right of the consumer to make an informed decision regarding the foods that they eat. In the end, it is the consumer that will decide, regardless of what the scientific evidence eventually yields. This research supports the thesis...
(2008). UK experts urge RP consumers to push for GMO labeling. Checkbiotech. October 17, 2008. Retrieved March 25, 2009 at http://greenbio.checkbiotech.org/news/uk_experts_urge_rp_consumers_push_gmo_labeling
Raab, C. & Grobe, D. (2003). Labeling Genetically Engineered Food: The Consumer's Right to Know? AgBioForum. 6 (4): 155-161. Retrieved March 25, 2009 at http://www.agbioforum.missouri.edu/v6n4/v6n4a02-raab.pdf
Whitman, D. (2000). Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful. Retrieved March 24, 2009 at http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php.
World Health Organization (WHO) (2009). 20 Questions on genetically modified foods. Retrieved March 24, 2009 at http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/20questions/en/.
