What Puts the OMG in GMOs

The uproar around GMO products has taken America by storm over the last couple decades and while there are many arguments and opinions on the matter, the main concern has to do with GMO labeling. Although one could say there’s a lack of public knowledge surrounding GMOs, the majority of Americans are aware of the situation and the attention it is receiving is what makes the topic one of importance.

Genetically modified organisms are plant organisms that have been unnaturally tampered with in labs in order to create crops that have a resistance to pests and diseases as well as having longer shelf lives. When the Food and Drug Administration approved GMOs for sale in the late 1990s, minimal testing had been done on genetically modified products and the effects they could have on humans were unknown and are still unknown today. Additionally, the environmental impacts that these crops could have are in question. The pest, disease, and herbicide resistance of genetically modified crops could lead to the growth of super bugs and weeds that could potentially lead to intolerance of typical crop care. Scientists involved with the production and testing of genetically modified organisms, however, state they are safe for consumption and are equivalent to their “non-GM counterparts”.

Although claims have been made that live stock raised on genetically modified feed show no harm from their diet, many are still skeptical – and this skepticism is what has led to the push for GMO labeling. But, as one can imagine, corporate America does not like the idea of losing control over the great revenue that the non-labeling of genetically modified products brings in. The divide between the right to know the presence of GMOs and the inconvenience as well as cost of labeling genetically modified products for companies is where the country currently stands on the issue. Many industries are taking advantage of the lack of restraints on labeling and are manipulating packaging, freely claiming products to be “natural” when GMO ingredients are used. The corporate interest associated with genetically modified organisms and the lack of attention given to public health and concern has operated as another great push towards the want and need for labeling.

This past March, Congress attempted to ban a state’s ability to label GMO products, but the bill failed to pass in senate, paving way for Vermont to be the first state in the nation to have mandatory genetically modified organism labeling on all products by July 1 of this year. Regardless of whether you are for, against or impartial to GMOs, individuals have a right of knowing what it is they are consuming and it is important that Americans are given the opportunity to make the choice between GMO and non-GMO food products.