Why We Should Get GMO's Labeled

             We have been using GMO's (genetically modified organisms) in our everyday foods since the turn of the century. It is used to make goods such as eggs, meat, dairy, various packaged goods, and even fruits and vegetables; in short, just about all goods sold to the public. But, something we have failed to acknowledge is that we have only been using GMO's for such a relatively short time, as a matter of fact since the 1990’s, and have yet justified whether they are truly safe or hazardous. Hence why, GMO's should then be labeled on all products for the clarity and reassurance of the consumer, in which they have the right to know.

            Something that is very alarming is the fact that GMO’s were introduced to the world with the primary aim of addressing the global food issues, because we were at a time when food production in even the largest of food industries could not meet up with the demands of their consumers. But, rather than making their primary aim the well being of the consumers who were to be exposed to their plans, they continued on in creating the first genetically modified foods as quickly as possible. According to “Why We Should Accept GMO Labeling” by Dan Fagin “"GMO products... were introduced not because they were the best way to employ genetic engineering to address critical global food issues, but because they were thought to be the fastest, most reliable route to profits for... producers." GMO’s can and need to be considered a hazard to the public which we have yet to discover. Many things could have gone wrong due to the hasty decision’s lack of testing. Although we haven’t found that flaw yet, the chances become more likely as more time passes with us using these GMO’s. Moreover, what could possibly happen now or in the near future with GMO products, can and should be considered a great possibility because of this information. According to “Should GMO’s Be Labeled” by Amir Khan “‘When GMO’s are grown out in the environment, contamination happens and it's not possible to control it,’ Megan Westgate, executive director of the Non-GMO Project, said in a statement. ‘That’s a real liability to our food supply because these are experimental organisms [and] we don't know what the long-term impact is to human health or the environment.’” We are having too much faith in the people who make these foods to do the right things when it comes to the consumer and/or business ethics. We cannot assume that the food that we eat is absolutely safe just by the word of the major producers. The proper labeling of these genetically modified organisms and even genetically engineered crops is an appropriate precaution to take to properly inform customers what they are buying before they actually make the purchase.

            Concurrently, in being a consumer there is moral rights and laws in which you are entitled to as a person. Equally important, the consumer’s opinion is very important, and is what makes businesses successful. In the situation with GMO labeling, it is the consumers who are giving a reason to debate over this. According to an ABC News poll (06/19/15) “Nearly everyone --- 93 percent --- says the federal government should require labels on food saying whether it’s been genetically modified, or ‘bio-engineered’ (this poll uses both phrases). Such unanimity in public opinion is rare.” Speaking for a majority of us customers, we have been waiting and trying to encourage the crackdown on food labeling, mainly focusing on whether or not they are genetically modified or engineered. Why is it that it is taking so long for a law to be passed or for the producers and big businesses to give into this new demand by consumer? According to “Consumer Rights - Consumer Protection Laws” by www.hg.org "Consumer rights and consumer protection law provides a way for individuals to fight back against abusive business practices. These laws are designed to hold sellers of goods and services accountable when they seek to profit by taking advantage of a consumer’s lack of information or bargaining power." If GMO's aren't labeled in our foods, it is essentially an inaccuracy on the part of the producer, and in some cases can be a possibly active marketing strategy due to the lack of information. We should be able to extend our rights in order to prevent this unethical loophole violating the rights of customers. It is the best, being of our concerns, to get GMO's labeled on all food products as an extension and strengthening of our rights as customers.

            The main problem with GMO’s and the fight to get them labeled is the fact that neither side (buyers and sellers) can come to an agreement on what to do. If GMO's are "safe", why is it that we cannot still have products labeled properly? Assuming there is absolutely nothing to hide, why hide this important information from the people who are being sold these products? According to "American Medical Association: GMO Labeling Not Necessary" by the Huffington Post "The American Medical Association announced in a statement this week that they saw no health purpose for labeling genetically modified foods -- those made with GMO's (or genetically modified organisms) -- as such...'There is no scientific justification for special labeling of bioengineered foods, as a class, and that voluntary labeling is without value unless it is accompanied by focused consumer education,' the statement read in part." Consumers in the U.S are not uneducated; according to “The U.S. Education System Is Not Failing” by the National Association of State Boards of Education “The American education system — inasmuch as it's actually a system — is not failing.” But, a possible reason for the withholding of the information rightfully deserved by us all might be hidden in the possible dangers there are in genetically engineered foods which would become a concern because of our well educated consumers. According to "Assessment of the food safety issues related to genetically modified foods" by Harry A. Kuiper, Gjis A. Kleter, Hub P.J.M. Noteborn, and Esther J. Kok (Figure 2) "Safety issues of GM foods: (i) Genetic modification process, (ii) Safety of new proteins, (iii) Occurrence and implications of unintended effects, (iv) Gene transfer of microflora, (v) Allergenicity of new proteins, (vi) Role of new food in the diet, and (vii) Influence of food processing." Such various possible safety concerns could ruin the market strategy that some businesses are using in leaving out information, and would benefit the consumers if the labeling of these foods were made mandatory. This must occur for the enlightenment of the customers on what they are eating every day, which must be made know. We have to label these products to reveal what the food we eat everyday is really made from, and it is only ethical if the 93% of people were to have this information.

            In conclusion, the labeling of GMO food products is a necessity for all. We have a right to know what is in the food that we must eat, not only just because of the potential dangers and it degrading consumer rights with its insufficient facts, but mainly because a majority of consumers agree and should not be denied of their opinions and demands. All that's needed is a compromise, for the producers to give into the labeling, and laws to be made, as well as a change in policies. Our safety should no longer lie in the hands of businesses, but in our own by knowingly purchasing these foods.