Does Labeling Satisfy the Ethical Concerns Over Genetically Engineered Food?
By Britt Bailey Abstract The principle of consumer autonomy dictates labeling and disclosure of any salient nutritional differences or new production methods in foods. In the case of patented genetically engineered foods, industry opposes disclosure because it flags genetically engineered products, permitting “discrimination” against such products and potentially fueling “irrational” fears of health risks. Biotechnology proponents assert transgenic food crops are completely equivalent to traditional crops, and hence require no special labeling. Our own research challenges this view because of findings of differences in the composition of transgenic and conventional soybeans. The necessity for labeling and disclosure is further reinforced by industry’s greatly accelerated production of transgenic varieties and the absence of sufficient pre-testing or monitoring to determine where and when true differences exist between bioengineered and conventional varieties. The ethic of informed cons
