Predatory Labelling Policy

However, experts have established their own line of arguments in support of their preferred labelling policy, either FDA-recommended voluntary labelling or critics’ favourite mandatory labelling policy in terms of controlled movement of GMOs in local and international markets. Experts’ arguments are also much complicated in this particular area as it does in other aspects of GM debate (Carter and Gruere, 2003). These arguments are stretched from an ethical ground and consumer’s right which advocates mandatory labelling to the economical losses and segregation difficulties suggesting a voluntary labelling (Carter and Gruere, 2003). The choices of labelling policy for GMOs are also different in different parts of the globe (Gruere and Rao, 2007). In general, American scientists …show more content…
Accurate labelling of GMOs requires an extensive identity preservation system in the food supply chain from farmers to retailers (Maltsbarger and Kalaitzandonakes, 2000). It is also found that either testing or detailed record-keeping of traceable GM ingredients in food supply chain are needed at various steps in some GM-sensitive countries. Estimated costs of mandatory labelling vary from a 1-2 dollars per person per year up to 10% of a consumer’s annual food bill (Gruere and Rao, 2007). Caswell (1999) demonstrated a significant influence of labelling preference over the initial direction and speed of market development for foods produced by using GMOs. In support of his argument he mentioned that segregation difficulties, elevated marketing cost due to segregation and setting limits for disclosable amount of GM ingredients in food label are the key economic reasons to avoid mandatory labelling. The author also found that labelling does not significantly affect purchasing behaviour of illiterate