Labeling Laws
This chapter of the blog will focus on two different aspects of genetically modified foods. The first topic that will be discussed is labeling laws. Currently in the United States it is not mandatory for companies to label their genetically modified products. However, an attempt to change this was seen in 2012 when California added Proposition 37 to their ballots. This proposition stated that all raw and processed foods would be required to label if GMOs were present and would prohibit companies from advertising these products as natural. The results showed that 51.4% of the voters said NO, so the law was not passed. Many European countries have a ban on genetically modified foods so labeling laws are not necessary. However, the other countries that do allow the use of GMOs follow a similar system of that of the US. If a person is interested in consuming a GMO free diet the product must be specifically labeled "Organic".
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| Image showing European countries stance on GMOs Green- National Ban Light Green- National Moratorium Orange- No Ban |
Common Products Containing GMOs
Many products that line the grocery store shelves contain some genetically modified foods. Here are the top 10:
•Canned soups
•Vegetable/Canola Oil
•Tofu
•Meat
•Milk
•Soda
•Frozen foods
•Baby formula
•Sweetened juices
•Cereals
Canned soup, frozen
foods, sweetened juices, cereal, and soda all contain High Fructose Corn Syrup
which is derived from corn crops. In the US 88% of all corn crops are
genetically modified.
Baby formula and tofu
both contain high percentages of soy beans which has a 94% frequency among soy crops in the United States.
Vegetable and canola
oils are often produced using corn, canola, and soy beans.
Finally, with the idea
of “you are what you eat” both meat and milk can contain GMOs if the animal is
fed using genetically modified feed.
References:
http://justlabelit.org/right-to-know/labeling-around-the-world
http://www.gmo-free-regions.org/gmo-free-regions.html
http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/curiosity/topics/10-genetically-modified-food-products.htm
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/11/21/foods-give-up-avoid-eating-gmo/
It was surprised me that many products are no GMOs label if they are GMOs; but many Europe countries does. However, these Europe countries don’t necessary have law for labeling of GMOs, but they are aware of it. Therefore, I think product company have responsibility to put on a note of GMOs, because there are many food are genetic modify, especially foods for baby. It is nice to know all about it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI am not surprised most would vote against labeling foods with GMOs as we live in a country where most's ideal about food is: "I don't care what I eat as long as I eat." Another reason may be because some GMOs are actually not that bad for you so what is the point of labeling genetically-modified food. At least to me, eating "pure" and health products is important so it may be necessary to label these products that are genetically-modified in order to figure out which ones to or not to avoid.
ReplyDeleteAlthough from your previous posts I have learned GMOs may not be harmful, it still makes me a bit uneasy to think that labeling laws are so loosely regulated. The fact that one needs to be able to read a label correctly by looking for possible maneuvering words to encourage the common shopper to buy the product, is almost sad. There definitely needs to be some sort of regulation here, not only for the knowledge of consumption, but also for the possible safety hazards in products like baby food. It is detrimental for babies to obtain healthy food options.
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