The Pros And Cons Of GMO Labeling

Genetic modification is the alteration of an organism's genes to acquire desired characteristics (Kracht para 1). Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are in over 70% of products produced in the United States, especially since most contain traces of corn, soybean, rice or canola, which are some of the popularly grown genetically modified crops. (Steinhauer and Strom para 20). Currently, companies are not required to label GMO-containing products, however, some people are pushing to make it a requirement (para 3). Products containing GMOs should not be labeled because products manufactured in the United States have been modified in one way or another, therefore, the FDA should not require GMO labeling.
The desire for GMO labeling stems from

(Kracht para 2). This explains the fear of GMOs because people generally avoid things with unknown risks, especially when it involves science. Furthermore, labeling products creates fear, since consumers view it as a danger. A recent example of how labels cause a scare is the “gluten-free craze.” When gluten free labels increased, so did the fear of gluten, as well as gluten free diets. According to a study by Lauren Rene Moore, 1 in 3 adults began eating gluten free food because of labels. Similarly, fear of GMOs arises from GMO labels since labels are used as warnings to inform consumers of possible harm or allergens in food (Millstein 7).
GMO labels are unnecessary because genetic modification is safe, beneficial, and regulated by the FDA. Genetic modification is not a new concept. Artificial selection and crossbreeding, both forms of genetic modification, have been used for centuries by scientists and farmers to obtain the desired traits of crops or animals (Kracht para 1). Moreover, no known risks have appeared from the consumption of GMOs or the genetic modification of crops.

Most crops grown in the U.S. have been genetically modified and the use of GM seed continues to grow. 93% of soybeans, 94% of cotton and 88 % of corn grown in the U.S. were found to be genetically modified, based on 2012 statistics provided by the FDA. (Millstein 2). Moreover, the United States produces 40% of all GMOs in the world (Wunderlich and Gatto 2). With the United States producing a large majority of GM crops in the world, there is no way that the seeds can be 100% free of genetic modification. From 2000 to 2013, a 71% increase was seen in the adoption of GM corn seeds known as stacked seeds because they contain multiple GE traits. (Cornrjo et al. para 8). These seeds are resistant to pesticides and have the ability to grow in harsh conditions, which is why they have their use has increased. More and more plants are becoming genetically modified and soon all plants may have some trace of genetic modification. “GMO free” labels are also not accurate because they product most likely contains GMOs but they are small traces that are not counted. Chipotle Mexican Grill uses meat from cows that eat genetically modified corn despite their “G M Over it” campaign and claims of being GMO free (Aubrey para 6). The FDA is not able to test for small traces of genetic modification or the presence of all GM or GE ingredients (Wunderlich and Gatto 7). Therefore, even products