Although last year s move in California to require labeling of genetically engineered foods went down to defeat, the issue isn t dead yet. Senators Boxer (D-Calif.) and DeFazio (D-Ore.) have introduced legislation that would require the FDA to mandate labeling of all genetically engineered foods, and those made from genetically engineered ingredients.
Proponents of these labeling laws paint them as being based on consumers right to know what s in their foods. This claim, however, should not budge the FDA, which determined decades ago that GE foods didn t differ from their non-GE counterparts in any material way. Indeed, the FDA is tasked with basing it s actions on scientific bases, not on political correctness.
In addition to the unscientific reasoning behind the GE-labeling movement, there is another reason that labeling is unnecessary the information is already available. Reading the public s mind, many food manufacturers already indicate on their labels if their products contain no GE components. Further, any food labeled organic must, by definition, be GE-free.
The labeling movement, whether by state or national legislators, is not necessary to protect public health or welfare, and simply panders to an uninformed approach to food production.
ACSH s Dr. Ruth Kava comments, Hopefully the bill introduced in the Senate will not be passed, and the FDA will be able to maintain its science-based stance on labeling GE foods and ingredients.