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Kaylyn Colucci
Professor Godwin
English 1A
26 April 2018
Hazardous Effects of GMO Call for their Labeling
Genetically modified organisms (GMO) are products of biotechnology. They are
produced by modification or insertion of a foreign DNA into a host. The expression of the new
DNA modifies the properties of the host. A heated debate has enraged from different lobby
groups, organizations and at individual levels on the safety of GMO products as food. Fear
continues to reign in the minds of many stemming from the harmful effects anticipated from the
use of GMO. Consumer rights are dragged into the quagmire, and the battle continues whether
these products should be labeled or not. It is important to note that consumers have the right to
choose what they want to spend their dearly earned money on. Labeling the GMO would enable
the consumers to exercise this right. Although GMOs have helped in managing food problems in
various nations, consumer awareness should be created through the proper labeling of the
products as a way of alleviating the risks associated with the consumption.
Labeling of GMO in the United States is not mandatory and this encourages the activities
of biotechnologists producing the GMOs. This may be due to fear of reducing the marketability
of the GMO varieties. In 1992 FDA presented a statement that in essence was meant to downplay
the difference that exists between GMO and normal foods as insignificant echoing that there is
minimal difference between the two varieties. The statement gave the GMOs leeway to the
market claiming that it was not necessary to label them since they did not possess great material
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difference with organic foods (Wunderlich and Gatto 843). However, this cannot be taken blindly
because technology is associated with various risks which are grave if the products are used
every day. Later on, to lessen the rising fear from the public and demand to have GMO labeled,
FDA gave simple guidance to affected industries on what information they can put on the labels
but still did not enforce mandatory labeling. Presently, labeling of GMOs is not mandatory in the
US. Legislative efforts and advocacy groups have not managed to match EU’s steps (Wunderlich
and Gatto 845).
Labeling of GMOs is common industry practice in the EU as they undergo a thorough
vetting procedure involving reviews by both the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) and the
public. It is encouraging to see that in EU the public opinion matters when it comes to labeling
