Should producers be required to label genetically engineered foods (GMOs)?
The label "genetically modified" can be used for almost any food that we eat in our modern society,…
However, there is a distinction to be made between selective breeding and direct genetic engineering. Selective breeding is a slow process that allows species to adapt over time, while genetic engineering involves inserting, deleting, or altering DNA to achieve desired traits, often across species.
For example, a genetically engineered salmon, known as AquAdvantage salmon, grows twice as fast as its non-engineered counterpart. This is due to a growth hormone gene from the Pacific Chinook salmon and a gene from an ocean pout that keeps it active year-round. This kind of genetic manipulation is far from traditional selective breeding, hence, labeling such products as genetically engineered could help consumers make an informed decision.
On the flip side, some argue that labeling could cause unnecessary fear and misconceptions about GMOs, which are generally considered safe by scientific communities. So, how could we balance the need for transparency with the risk of instilling unwarranted fear?
Be the first to reply to this disagreement.