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Mimi Mckeown
Rachel Krause
CP English 12
11 May, 2015
Genetically Modified Food Labeling
Are Americans aware of whats in 70% of their food? Americans are not only unaware,
but completely uneducated on the topic of genetically modified foods, commonly referred to as
GMOs. A genetically modified food is an organism whose genome has been altered by
techniques of genetic engineering, so that its DNA contains one or more genes not usually found
there. GMOs developed only 20 years ago, insufficient research has been done regarding the
potentially harmful effects that genetically modified foods may contain. Americas are sheltered
from the harms of GMOs: as many as 54% of Americans dont even know what a GMO is, and
yet they are in 70% of their food (Heller 26). In numerous European countries: France, Belgium,
England, and 62 others Genetically Modified Foods are required to don a label declaring their
contents contain GMOs. If half the world is concerned about GMOs, shouldn't Americans be as
well? Foods containing genetically modified foods should be labeled, Americans are entitled to
the right Freedom of Choice.
In the past decade as health concerns regarding GMOs arose, Europe immediately
required labeling on foods containing genetically modified foods. The Scientific American
argues that Many people argue for GMO labels in the name of increased consumer choice. On
the contrary, such labels have limited people's options (The Editors 2). In this article

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The Editors use the evidence regarding how GMO labeling drove customers away from buying
their products, thus those products were seldom sold in stores, limiting the options of the
consumer (2). When the consumer is given a choice between an organic material and a
genetically modified food, is shown more likely to choose the organic. In America, when
roaming the grocery store looking for healthy alternatives to the packages of chips and assorted
junk food, one might turn to a fuit in the spirit of eating clean. What the consumer is not aware
of, because in the United States GMO labeling is not required, is that inside your piece of fruit is
an entirely different genetic makeup than its older relative prior to genetic modification.
What is preventing GMO labeling in United States? The findings are discouraging. After
conducting further research it was saddening with the findings; since GMOs are so popular in the
United States, and are in a large percentage of foods, the corporations who own the GMO seeds
have strong ties to the government. Companies like Monsanto, the most popular distributor
worldwide of genetically modified corn seed (Heller, 27) have become so extensive, veering
away from genetically modified seeds in the US is close to impossible. Considering that GMOs
are in 70% of foods -a great portion of these products containing corn- one can assume Monsanto
has their connections to other large corporations in the economy. A concern voiced by the
government is that a decline of genetically modified crops would damage the economy (The
Editors 2) because so many companies and farmers are dependent on selling their products. The
US is opening their eyes to become more aware to health concerns, if the food industry took a
step in the organic direction, there would be a new market waiting for them. Other corporations
like Whole Foods and Trader Joes are striving off of their organic and healthy image.

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One of the greatest concerns discussed globally is regarding the little known research
done on GMOs, because they are so new to the market no long term experiments have been
conducted. Research shows that some scientist who conduct their research independently from
the laboratories of the big name corporations results vary drastically from the results coming
from within the corporations (Weis). An opposing the labeling of GMOs argues that To curb
vitamin A deficiencywhich blinds as many as 500,000 children worldwide every year and kills
half of themresearchers have engineered Golden Rice, which produces beta-carotene, a
precursor of vitamin A (The Editors 1). Although GMOs sound great on the outside, a crop that
wont die and can offer a civilization much needed nutrients, but the effects of GMO seeds on
farms and people may not be so great. This is a great example of the capacity of mass production
GMOs have been engineered to achieve. Yet the studies have been done arguing the long-term
effects of consuming genetically modified foods can cause cancer and liver disease (Heller 25).
These studies have been classified inconclusive because the results vary so much compared to
the scientist of the larger corporations, leading to questions revolving the fairness of the
scientific playing field. Even if in the future GMOs are found to be harmless, Consumers would
appreciate the option to choose what goes into my body.
As a concerned individual I encourage you, as the reader, to go educate yourself on the
facts of genetically modified foods, you are entitled to your own opinion whether you agree with
mine or wish to form your own argument. Consumers should find it very confusing if one
believes that genetically modified foods are not harmful, that there is any reason not to want to
label foods containing GMO material. If a GMO is going to be in my food, I want the choice to
eat it or not. If more GMO awareness was present in the US, people would be passionate about

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wanting a label for their food, health concerns warn you to be cauntious of the genetic materials
of your indulgences. In an effort to support the freedom to choose GMO or not, consumers
should become involved in political movements, sign off on petitions for GMO labeling, and
help to spread awareness. Consumers may not be able to see a label declaring GMO, but they are
able to choose the foods declaring organic, which they can find at any grocery store. In the US
people can choose to support their local organic producers, or choose to purchase the organic
options at their regular grocery stores, hopefully influencing other farmers to start growing
organic crops. If the US was more open about the concerns behind GMOs I would not see the
harm in labeling consumer goods as GMO, all myself and many consumers like me want, is the
right to choose.

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Annotated Bibliography

The Editors. "Labels for GMO Foods Are a Bad Idea." Scientific American Global RSS.
Scientific American, 13 Sept. 2013. Web. 19 May 2015.
The Editors journal offers a controversial opinion on GMO labeling in the United States.
In this article The Editors claim that GMO labeling would have a harmful effect on the
economy. They support this opinion with evidence on how products containing GMOs in
other countries are almost impossible to find because consumers refuse to eat them.
The Editors of the article "GMO labeling is a Bad Idea" assert that GMO labeling would
be harmful to the economy. The Editors support this claim by stating that food has been
genetically modified for decades. The authors purpose is to inform the reader of the
possible dangers associated with labeling GMOs. In the article the author uses a
defensive tone, responding passionately to accusations against GMOs, The Editors were
appealing to an interested audience, those who are interested in this topic would find this
article useful.
The Editors text is useful for responding to accusations from GMO opposition. In this
article there is an opportunity for the reader to process the authors ideas and form a
response to their statements. Although this article is highly opinionated, the reader is
introduced to fresh ideas revolving around GMO labeling exclusively.

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Heller, Chaia. "From Risk to Globalization: Discursive Shifts in the French Debate about
GMOs." Medical Anthropology Quarterly 15.1 (2001): 25-28. JSTOR. Web.
Heller's journal offers two perspectives on the use of Genetically Modified Food's. The
author adopts an objective tone taking into account both the business gains of GMOs and
the health concerns involved in the debate. With this approach Heller leaves opportunity
for the reader to develop their own opinion.
Heller in her journal offers facts supporting and opposing the idea that GMO foods
should be labeled. Heller supports her evidence with counter arguments from both sides
of the argument. The authors purpose is to inform the reader of the controversy revolving
around their food consumption. The author write in an objective tone, in an effort to
educate the general public on the topic of food labeling.
Evidence in this journal could be used to debate the usage of labels regarding GMO
foods. Several examples for the opposing side of GMO labeling could generate
progressive discussions surrounding GMO labeling. Heller takes an educational
perspective leaving the reader to make their own conclusions.

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Weis, Philipp. "Europe Prepares for Arrival of GM Foods." Science. Jstor, 13 Dec. 2011. Web.
In this article the reader is offered a statistical side of the fight for GMO labeling. The
author also gives information on how the process of GMO labeling has been decided in
Europe.
In this article the reader is introduced to the line drawn between not needing a GMO
label, and being required to wear a label. Weis informs the reader that in Europe food
containing 0.9% or more of genetically modified material must have a label. The author
then supports this science by revealing that these guidelines in Europe are the tightest
regulations in all the world. The author reveals the idea behind GMO food labeling is so
that consumers will have a choice of eating GMO foods. The author writes in a skeptical
tone, intended for an informed audience of the struggles with GMO labeling.
In this article Weis gives informative facts on GMO labeling regulation in Europe. The
reader is able to comprehend and think logically about the effects a GMO label has on
people and the food industry.