GMO Labeling- The Argument against Labeling
The labeling of Genetically Modified Organism is nearly as controversial as GMO’s themselves. Well-intentioned consumer groups have lobbied to have GMO products labeled to protect consumers. These groups argue that GMO’s may have the potential to be dangerous and should be labeled. Those that advise against labeling, industry, academics, and regulatory bodies sight the complexities and cost of labels that do not improve safety. Mankind has been modifying crops and animals for thousands of years with great success to fed growing populations. Crossbreeding has improved our food sources and our health by developing more nutritious and safer versions of the food we eat. Mankind has been splicing and altering …show more content…
For example a potato contains glycoalkaloid and there are recorded incidents of human poisoning. Celery contains a natural chemical that turns toxic when exposed to sunlight. “So, the normal kind of breeding can produce risks, just as any other genetic or other kinds of breeding can produce risks.” [Hotchkiss] This is why we must use a common sense approach to labeling. We cannot label everything. Additives that are toxic or known allergens are prohibited and prohibited ingredients would therefore not be listed on labels. The EPA, USDA, and the FDA have examined GMO technology from its inception and have determined there is not a safety issue regarding the process. Therefore, it would be a bad idea to single out one type of crossbreeding for …show more content…
Labeling should not be used as a scarlet letter in order to support a political point of view on GMO’s. Science, not emotion should rule in matters of public safety. We have government regulators working in concert with producers of GMO’s to insure only safe products are introduced into the marketplace. Government agencies have a sworn duty to protect consumers and producers have an economic stake in assuring their products are indeed safe. Their track record in this regard is stellar. GMO products should and do follow the existing rules for labeling products. To require GMO producers to follow a different set of rules for the same product puts them at an unfair disadvantage in the market place. Labeling would not address any real safety concerns and serve only to misled consumers. Don’t be misled on the need for labeling, there isn’t
The labeling of Genetically Modified Organism is nearly as controversial as GMO’s themselves. Well-intentioned consumer groups have lobbied to have GMO products labeled to protect consumers. These groups argue that GMO’s may have the potential to be dangerous and should be labeled. Those that advise against labeling, industry, academics, and regulatory bodies sight the complexities and cost of labels that do not improve safety. Mankind has been modifying crops and animals for thousands of years with great success to fed growing populations. Crossbreeding has improved our food sources and our health by developing more nutritious and safer versions of the food we eat. Mankind has been splicing and altering …show more content…
For example a potato contains glycoalkaloid and there are recorded incidents of human poisoning. Celery contains a natural chemical that turns toxic when exposed to sunlight. “So, the normal kind of breeding can produce risks, just as any other genetic or other kinds of breeding can produce risks.” [Hotchkiss] This is why we must use a common sense approach to labeling. We cannot label everything. Additives that are toxic or known allergens are prohibited and prohibited ingredients would therefore not be listed on labels. The EPA, USDA, and the FDA have examined GMO technology from its inception and have determined there is not a safety issue regarding the process. Therefore, it would be a bad idea to single out one type of crossbreeding for …show more content…
Labeling should not be used as a scarlet letter in order to support a political point of view on GMO’s. Science, not emotion should rule in matters of public safety. We have government regulators working in concert with producers of GMO’s to insure only safe products are introduced into the marketplace. Government agencies have a sworn duty to protect consumers and producers have an economic stake in assuring their products are indeed safe. Their track record in this regard is stellar. GMO products should and do follow the existing rules for labeling products. To require GMO producers to follow a different set of rules for the same product puts them at an unfair disadvantage in the market place. Labeling would not address any real safety concerns and serve only to misled consumers. Don’t be misled on the need for labeling, there isn’t