Everyone deserves to know what’s in their food so they can make informed decisions about what to feed themselves and their families.
Some companies, however, think consumers don’t have a right to know what’s in their food when it comes to genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. Congress is holding a hearing on efforts that would make it illegal for states to require labeling of genetically modified foods. We support mandatory GMO labeling for two good reasons.
First, labeling is a simple and common sense solution to protect consumer choice. Companies that grow and sell genetically modified foods haven’t yet come up with a convincing excuse to explain why their customers should not have this information. Our analysis of several studies on the cost of GMO labeling found that protecting consumer choice is a bargain at less than a penny per day per person.
Second, consumers want it. We asked consumers what they think about GMO labeling, and an overwhelming 92 percent of those polled agreed that genetically engineered food should be labeled as such.
Companies are quick to make safety claims, but scientists and regulators agree that there are serious potential risks, including the risk of introducing new allergens. Concerns are also emerging about damage caused by increased herbicide use to our health and environment.
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Plants and animals whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated are different from those that occur in nature or that are developed by conventional plant or animal breeding.
At Consumer Reports we say labeling makes common sense. Companies that respect their customers and policymakers who respect their voters will follow our lead.
The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis. Read full, original post: GMO labels make good sense
