The concern of having genetically modified foods in our diet has led a handful of states to consider initiatives that would require food manufactures to label products that contain GMOs. We all certainly have a right to know what ingredients we are choosing to eat, but there is also the fact that we’ve been eating foods that have been genetically modified for more than a generation. By weighing the pros and cons of labeling foods that contain GMOs, we can determine if this is the right course of action to pursue.
Pros of Labeling Genetically Modified Foods
People Could Make More Informed Choices About Their Diet
By having a clear picture of everything that is in the foods that are being consumed, people would have the ability to make empowered choices about their health. Having clear definitions of genetically modified foods and how they were modified can let people pick and choose what foods they consume.
It Eliminates Food Deserts
Genetically modified foods are able to be grown in areas where crops might not normally be able to grow. This allows the world to produce more food and eliminate food deserts where only processed or artificially preserved foods are generally consumed. By labeling these foods as fresh, but genetically modified, people could have access to a healthier option.
Religious Or Ethical Needs Could Be More Effectively Met
By labeling genetically modified foods, people can avoid certain items that are necessary to meet their religious or ethical needs. This would also help to limit any unintended liabilities that a food manufacturer might face for not including the fact that pig DNA, for example, was fed to a buyer with Islamic beliefs.
Here Are the Cons of Labeling Genetically Modified Foods
Labeling the food as genetically modified would often be perceived as a warning
Food manufacturers have often avoided labeling GMOs in the past because they’ve been afraid of consumer rejection. Many consumers would see a GMO label as a warning to avoid that food product. This is despite the fact that no verifiable differences in health have been detected when comparing GMO foods with non-GMO foods in a diet.
It Does Not Enhance Consumer Choice
The European Union, New Zealand, and Japan all require GMO labeling, yet it has not increased consumer choice. Many retailers have actually eliminated foods with GMO from store shelves because of the perception that consumers aren’t going to purchase the products.
It Would Change Food Distribution Costs
Not only would new labeling requirements have an added cost, but so would changing the system of food infrastructure that currently exists. Non-GMO foods could not be processed or stored on equipment that had GMO foods on it.
Is labeling GMO foods the right course of action to take? By weighing all of the pros and cons of this subject, we can make the right choice for the future of our eating habits.
