Featuring in TEDxManhattan 2013, Hirshberg Gary’s video “Why Genetically Engineered Foods should be labeled” offers a glimpse on an array of issues aligned with labeling of genetically modified foods. The same sentiments are evident in the current article “Genetically Modified Food Controversies.” While it is true that the contents of genetically modified (GM) foods are similar to those of conventional foods, there are various reasons supporting the need to label genetically modified foods. Consumers have the right to know what is in the foods they purchase and consume. Knowledge of the contents of genetically modified foods would give consumers the right to choose the foods that have the contents that they prefer. Many at times, calls on the need to label genetically modified foods are misconceived as questions on the safety of GM foods. However, calls on the need to label these foods are not only for the purposes of safety. Instead, consumers reserve the right to know and understand the contents of these foods so that they can make adequate dietary choices. As an example, a certain proportion of consumes are allergic to certain contents in foods. Therefore, lack of labeling denies such consumers the right to knowing the contents in genetically modified foods, which they may trigger allergic responses when they consume.
On another note, it is of the essence to note that the recent past has been rife with evidence of long-term implications of consumption of genetically modified foods. In the current video, Hirshberg notes that a Canadian study found Bt toxins in the umbilical cords of pregnant women. The Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins were suspected to have emanated from an insecticide that is used to control worms in the production of genetically modified foods. Lack of labeling is to blame for consumption of foods rich in this toxin, whose implications are dire. Besides, the FDA does not allow independent analysis of the contents of GM foods. It is only the companies producing GM foods that offer information on the contents of the GM foods. The legitimacy of these companies in reporting on the contents of GM foods is not reliable because their reports may be skewed to enhance consumer preference of the GM foods. In a nutshell, there is a dire need to label GM foods as a means of providing pertinent overview of their contents.
Work Cited
Hirshberg Gary. “Why Genetically Engineered Foods should be labeled.” TEDxManhattan. 2013. Video.
“Genetically Modified Food Controversies.” Print.
