GMO Food Labeling Genetically Modified Foods (Genetically

GMO Food Labeling

Genetically modified foods (genetically modified foods) have been an issue of controversy since their early development. genetically modified foods refer to organisms that are intended for human or animal consumption that have been modified artificially to enhance certain plant traits. Some of these traits include pesticide resistance, herbicide tolerance, disease resistance, cold tolerance, drought tolerance, salinity tolerance, improved nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and phytoremediation, which is the use of plants and animals to remove toxins from the environment. These traits promised to improve human lives and to help resolve some of the environmental issues that currently plague our society. The controversy surrounding genetically modified foods is not their use or their necessity in human society, it is fear over unintended circumstances that could have a negative affect on human lives. It will support the safety of genetically modified foods due to a lack of empirical evidence to the contrary. This research will support the thesis that further GM food labeling is not necessary, as a sufficient system is already in place.

The first argument against the use of genetically modified foods at all is the possibility for the transfer of GM genetic material into surrounding plants and animals. Although creators of genetically modified foods and government agencies claim that genetically modified foods are comparable to their non-GM counterparts, some contend that we simply do not know enough to consider them completely safe. Proponents of labeling claim that consumers have a right to know what is in the foods they consume. One concern about genetically modified foods is the potential for introduction of genes from food stuffs that are culprits in common allergies into foods that are normally considered safe for sensitive people (Schneider and Schneider). Those that claim that we simply do not know enough to call them safe, are calling for the labeling of genetically modified foods to alert the consumer of the products that they are purchasing.

Opponents of food labeling argue that there is not enough evidence that support the claims that genetically modified foods are less healthy or pose a significant risk to human health compared to non-genetically modified foods (Schneider and Schneider).. genetically modified foods are considered generally recognized as safe "GRAS" under the current FDA guidelines. If genetically modified foods are required to be labeled in the future, it could mean sweeping changes in existing food labeling policy. Opponents of the labeling propose that these changes are unnecessary based on the current body of evidence that supports the safety of genetically modified foods.

Sufficient technology exists to prevent harmful genetic material from entering the food supply unknowingly. According to the USDA economic research service, technology is able to detect even minute quantities of GM material in non-GM products and the chances of undetected cross pollination are negligible (Fernandez-Cornejo). Policies around the world differ on the labeling and use of genetically modified foods. In Europe, consumers are protesting against GMOs. However, in the United States, they are distributed freely with no labeling or other requirements. Their use has grown exponentially over the past decade (Fernandez, Cornejo).

What many people do not realize is that genetically modified foods are already labeled, but not conspicuously. That little sticker on fruits is the PLU code, or price look up number. This code tells you how the food was grown. For conventionally grown crops the PLU code has four numbers. For instance, a conventionally grown banana has a PLU code of 4011. An organic banana has a nine in front of the PLU code, so its number would be 94011. GM crops have an 8 in front of the PLU code. So the PLU code for a GM banana would be 84011 (Owen, 1998). A labeling system for GMOs already exists, but yet, some continue to push for more conspicuous labeling (Gertsberg). In a recent study, the exact effects of labeling of GMOs could not be determined, as current labeling requirements are not sufficient to conduct such a study (Guillaume and Rao, p. 66).