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Labeling of genetically modified food: Closer to reality in the United States?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 January 2016

Anton E. Wohlers
Anton E. Wohlers*
Affiliation:
Office of Academic Enrichment, Cameron University, 2800 W. Gore Blvd., Lawton, OK 73505 awohlers@cameron.edu

Abstract

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Within the broader context of several related biotech developments, including the proliferation of GM food in American grocery stories, the recent decision by Whole Foods Market, Inc. to require the labeling of all genetically modified (GM) organism products sold in its stores by 2018, and the development of GM animals for consumption, this essay asks whether the United States is inching towards a policy of mandatory GM food labeling. The analysis highlights aspects of the biotechnology policy debate in the United States and European Union, and traces public opinion as well as grassroots and legislative efforts aimed at GM food labeling. Findings show that activities at the federal level do not suggest any major regulatory changes regarding labeling in the near future; however, a growing number of individual states are considering GM food labeling legislation and political momentum in favor of labeling has picked up in recent years. Voluntary labeling by food companies may also become increasingly common.

Keywords

Genetically modified foodsWhole Foods announcementGM organismsmillions against MonsantoProposition 37
Type
Perspectives
Information
Politics and the Life Sciences , Volume 32 , Issue 1 , Spring 2013 , pp. 73 - 84
Copyright
Copyright © Association for Politics and the Life Sciences 

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