New GMO labeling bills are currently being pushed in several states, with strong opinions on both sides of the argument. According to a recent article from Restaurant Business Online, Rhode Island and Hawaii are the latest states to consider mandatory labeling of food products that contain Genetically Modified crops or ingredients derived from GMO products. While they debate the pros and cons, more than two dozen other states are considering introducing similar bills. Two states, Connecticut and Maine, have already passed GMO labeling laws, but in order to prevent problems in the food industry, the measures will not take effect until more states officially adopt the cause. As consumers push for more transparency from restaurants and food companies, with public favor starting to swing towards local, sustainable and organic, it is no surprise that genetically modified crops are gaining so much attention. The Center for Science in the Public Interest currently estimates that 70% of processed foods contain at least one GMO related ingredient, with other organizations estimating that number at up to 80%.
As RBO points out, many countries, including those that are members of the European Union, already have mandatory GMO labeling laws in effect. Supporters on this side of the pond are hoping that the individual push by states for the labeling of GMO crop containing foods will prompt the FDA to create more wide reaching policies to cover the country. Organizations in opposition of the labeling are hoping the Federal Government will make a sweeping motion in the opposite direction. Those groups are, unsurprisingly, largely represented by biotechnology companies that create genetically modified crops, such as Monsanto, as well as food producers who argue that genetically modified crops have revolutionized farming by producing food that is easier to grow and which resists disease. Their argument against the measures are that mandatory labeling will increase costs, which will then be passed onto consumers. The other concern is that GMO labeling will cause consumers to avoid genetically modified foods or view them as inferior to "natural" products.
While research has not shown any links between GMO derived foods and health risks in humans, the argument coming from the pro labeling side has more to do with transparency than concerns over health. Many consumers and interest groups argue that in a world of highly processed food, manufactured by large companies, bills that require specific labeling are important as they help consumers better understand the nature and origin of their foods.
What is your take on the labeling of genetically modified food? Do consumers have a right to know, or are the fears unfounded? Let us know your opinion via Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn or Twitter.
Source: Restaurant Business Online
