Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Why Aren't GMO Foods Labeled?

It's a question Mark Bittman asks and I ask as well: http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/15/why-arent-g-m-o-foods-labeled/

Bittman has the issue down cold--it's a matter of choice. By not labeling GMO containing foods, my choice is taken away. I want to avoid GMOs, but can't because they're not labeled (although avoiding processed foods is a good way to go, it's not perfect and GMOs can still creep in).

Here's what Bittman has to say on the matter:

"Even more than questionable approvals, it’s the unwillingness to label these products as such — even the G.E. salmon will be sold without distinction — that is demeaning and undemocratic, and the real reason is clear: producers and producer-friendly agencies correctly suspect that consumers will steer clear of G.E. products if they can identify them. Which may make them unprofitable. Where is the free market when we need it?

A majority of our food already contains G.M.O.’s, and there’s little reason to think more isn’t on the way. It seems our “regulators” are using us and the environment as guinea pigs, rather than demanding conclusive tests. And without labeling, we have no say in the matter whatsoever."



The entire opinion, however, is worth the read.

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