Although genetically modified crops have proven to be successful, many people show opposition towards them. The biggest concerns regarding these genetically modified crops include the affect they have on human health and their effect on the environment (Newton 88). In 2012, the Grocery Manufactures Association estimated more than seventy-five percent of processed foods contain genetically modified organism. Because of the unknown effects of the increasing use of GMOs in food and the customers’ complaints, many companies, including Ben & Jerry’s, Whole Foods, and Chipolte have decided to mandate labels of GMOs on their products. Ben & Jerry’s said that their company will end the use of GMOs in their ice cream by 2015. In order to please their
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By 2012, nineteen states tried to require labeling of Genetically Modified food. Some of these states include California, Oregon, Vermont, Connecticut and Maine. These initiatives have not been successful at the polls, but many states have continued the fight. Many of these bills include that the label must include specific language as well as the label must appear on the front of the package or on the retail shelf. Each state also clarifies what they consider needs to be labeled. If the bill is passed at state level, it may face constitutional challenges because the federal government works with the state governments to regulate food and must agree with the Commerce Clause (Helme). In June of 2013, Connecticut passed the first state bill requiring GMO labeling. However, in order for the bill to take effect, at lease four other states must pass a similar bill. Maine followed Connecticut’s lead, but as of 2013, they are the only two states with these laws. Because it requires four states to go into effect, the bills have not impacted the labeling of food yet (Newton 99). Although there is much opposition to GMOs, states have been unsuccessful with passing bills requiring labels for genetically modified …show more content…
For example, one study conducted about genetically modified soybeans can cause harm to consumers with certain allergies. In this study, a nut protein was added to the soybean seed so it would yield soybeans with higher nutritional values. Some of the people who consumed this genetically modified food had an allergic reaction due to the nut protein added to the soybean. After this study, however, further research on the genetically modified soybean ended (Newton 93). Studies conducted by the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) have shown that some of the side effects of genetically modified food on humans and animals include accelerated aging, infertility, and deregulation of genes associated with cholesterol synthesis, insulin regulation, and cell signaling (Newton 90). Many of these studies cause people to worry about the long term effects of these genetically modified
By 2012, nineteen states tried to require labeling of Genetically Modified food. Some of these states include California, Oregon, Vermont, Connecticut and Maine. These initiatives have not been successful at the polls, but many states have continued the fight. Many of these bills include that the label must include specific language as well as the label must appear on the front of the package or on the retail shelf. Each state also clarifies what they consider needs to be labeled. If the bill is passed at state level, it may face constitutional challenges because the federal government works with the state governments to regulate food and must agree with the Commerce Clause (Helme). In June of 2013, Connecticut passed the first state bill requiring GMO labeling. However, in order for the bill to take effect, at lease four other states must pass a similar bill. Maine followed Connecticut’s lead, but as of 2013, they are the only two states with these laws. Because it requires four states to go into effect, the bills have not impacted the labeling of food yet (Newton 99). Although there is much opposition to GMOs, states have been unsuccessful with passing bills requiring labels for genetically modified …show more content…
For example, one study conducted about genetically modified soybeans can cause harm to consumers with certain allergies. In this study, a nut protein was added to the soybean seed so it would yield soybeans with higher nutritional values. Some of the people who consumed this genetically modified food had an allergic reaction due to the nut protein added to the soybean. After this study, however, further research on the genetically modified soybean ended (Newton 93). Studies conducted by the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) have shown that some of the side effects of genetically modified food on humans and animals include accelerated aging, infertility, and deregulation of genes associated with cholesterol synthesis, insulin regulation, and cell signaling (Newton 90). Many of these studies cause people to worry about the long term effects of these genetically modified