The Argument In Favor Of Labeling Genetically Modified Food

Genetically modified foods are foods produced from an organism that has DNA which has been unnaturally altered for the purpose of improvement or correction of defects. Most GM foods have been developed to better produce through the introduction of resistance to plant diseases or of increased tolerance to herbicides. (Non GMO Project) For example, to produce pesticides in its own tissue, genetically modified corn has been engineered in a laboratory. GMO corn is sold unlabeled, yet it is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency as an Insecticide. (Label GMOs, 2015) At this point in time, there is a debate about whether the government should require food companies to label GMO foods. While there are ways to support both sides, it is clear …show more content…
Most GM produce have been developed to produce the introduction of resistance to plant diseases or of increased tolerance to herbicides. There is a dispute if the government should make labeling GM foods mandatory for companies. Those who are not in favor of mandatory labeling feel this way because mandatory labeling will falsely make the GMO foods appear to be unsafe, as supported by the Boston Globe, and there is no need for mandatory labeling because the FDA already checks our food. There are those who feel labeling GM foods should be mandatory because of the customers’ right to know what is in their food, as shown through an ABC poll, and mandatory labeling will lead to less production of GMOs, as proven by Dr. Byrne. While there are ways to support both sides, it is clear that labeling GM foods should be mandatory for food companies because of ethical purposes, supported by Paul Ramsey, scientific benefits, shown through Andrew Starbird, and GM food’s possibility to cause allergies, illustrated through Jon Entine’s investigation of an article in Elle magazine written by Caitlin Shetterly. People argue that labeling GM foods should not be mandatory because it is a costly process for the companies. However, as shown through David Byrne, the European countries that do label GM products have not had an increase in the price of GM foods. This proves that the companies have not had (major) increases in cost when labeling GM product, for they would have then passed the increased cost to the consumer. Many manufacturers are not in favor of labeling GM foods, however if they are so sure there is nothing wrong with GM foods, then why would they have a problem labeling them as