The Need for Labeling Genetically Engineered Foods

Over the last few years, a variety of genetically engineered (GE) foods, including corn, soybeans, and tomatoes, has been introduced into supermarkets in the United States. For a variety of reasons, many consumers in the U.S. prefer not to eat GE food. Consumers are concerned about the religious, ethical, environmental, economic and health implications of GE foods.

Surveys show widespread support for mandatory labeling. In February of this year Time magazine reported that 81% of Americans surveyed wanted genetically engineered food to be labeled as such. The demand for labeling of GE food is consistent with Americans’ growing concern about food safety. Such concerns have been highlighted by the boom in organic food sales and the 275,000 public comments that were sent to the USDA regarding the Agency’s proposed organic standards last year.

Strong support for labeling of GE foods exists among the major trading partners of the United States, including the European Union and Japan. The EU presently requires all GE corn and soy products to be labeled and Japan plans to have a labeling scheme in place by next spring. Both Australia and New Zealand are also drafting labeling legislation.

Religious and Ethical Concerns: Many consumers believe that GE food crops are unethical and violate religious dietary laws, including kosher rules against hybridization. A coalition of groups including representatives of Jewish, Buddhist, Moslem and Christian denominations is presently suing the US FDA for failing to label GE foods. Similarly, vegetarians are concerned about ingesting animal DNA by eating for example fish genes that have been inserted into tomatoes. Britain’s Prince Charles recently questioned GE foods, stating, "this kind of genetic modification takes mankind into the realms that belong to God, and God alone.

Environmental Concerns: Some consumers prefer not to buy GE foods, because they are concerned about potential adverse environmental impacts that could result from genetically engineering food crops. (See fact sheet on the Environmental implications of GE foods)

Economic Concerns: Some consumers prefer not to purchase GE foods because they are concerned about the potential impact of genetic engineering upon the agricultural economy both within the US and overseas. Critics of the use of genetic engineering in food production contend that the high cost of GE seeds will force family farms in the US out of business and damage the economies of developing countries.

Health and Safety Concerns: Consumers are also concerned about potential health risks that could be associated with GE food. Potential health problems that could result from ingestion of GE foods include allergic reactions and antibiotic resistance. In 1996, Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. developed a GE soybean using a gene from a Brazil nut to increase the protein content of its animal feed. Independent tests on the genetically modified soybean revealed that people allergic to Brazil nuts reacted to the engineered soy.

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