Health

Will Genetically Modified Food Labeling Be Beneficial or Result in Higher Costs and Lawsuits?

California Voters to Decide on Genetically Modified Food Labeling in November

(Photo: Shutterstock)

The debate on genetically modified foods has been raging ever since they were first developed and put on the market for consumption in the 1990s. From the beginning, activists for food transparency have wanted to label such products to alert the public to its bio-engineered nature. Now, California could be the first state to enact a required labeling system to indicate foods with genetically modified ingredients.

Advocates of labeling collected more than half a million signatures supporting the stronger labeling requirements, and the secretary of state this week certified the measure for the state’s November ballot.

If it passes, California would be the first state to require labeling of such a wide range of foods containing genetically modified organisms, or GMOs.

The proposal would require most processed foods by 2014 to bear a label telling shoppers that they contain ingredients derived from plants whose DNA was altered with genes from other plants, animals, viruses or bacteria.

Major agricultural groups and the processed food industry oppose stricter labeling, saying it risks sowing fear and confusion among shoppers.

For food to be considered certifiably organic, it must not contain any GMOs. The fact that the labeling system is supported by the organic industry as well, for this reason, is confusing to Mischa Popoff, a former organic inspector and author of “Is It Organic? The Inside Story of the Organic Industry.”

Popoff explained in a phone interview with the Blaze how he felt a labeling system would only serve to devalue foods that were certified organic (therefore without GMOs).

“I’ve never understood why the organic industry wants to water down its brand,” Popoff said. “They want to go further and start labeling all the other foods but you already know by reverse association what is 100 percent GMO-free. Organic is the only way you can legally guarantee your buying GMO free.”

To Popoff, labeling GMO foods as such would only serve to “dilute” the organic industry’s market share.

Still, the Organic Consumers Association has said labeling GMO ingredients in the U.S. also would make domestic markets more competitive with markets in the European Union, which imposes guidelines on informing consumers about genetically modified food.

According to the True Food Now campaign, which is run by the Center for Food Safety and advocates for “a socially just, democratic, and sustainable food system,” 70 percent of processed food on your grocery store shelves contain GMOs. The campaign and other anti-GMO advocates report some studies showing foods that have been altered in this way could pose a danger to human health due to increased “toxicity, allergenicity, antibiotic resistance, immune-suppression and cancer.” Still, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says genetically modified foods pose no greater health risks than traditional foods.

The fact that there is a push to label bio-engineered foods is old news, according to Popoff, who was an organic inspector for five years before he left the industry over concerns that there was less of a focus on testing for synthetics compared to the crusade against bio-engineering.

“They’ve been doing this for more than a decade,” Popoff said explaining how he feels it is a short-sighted approach. “[When I was an inspector] my job was to enforce standards. Before we get to bio-tech you have to ensure there is no synthetic fertilizers or synthetic herbicides in organics. They are putting bio-tech up front but back up way before bio-tech [...] the use of synthetics is still a huge problem in the organic industry.”

Popoff explains in his book how he believes the level of testing for synthetics to ensure organic authenticity is not enough. To be fair, some claim many of Popoff’s attacks on the organic industry are unfounded. The Cornucopia Institute, which has the mission of “supporting the ecological principles and economic wisdom underlying sustainable and organic agriculture,” for example says he is biased as “conservative ideologue.”

Others see the labeling system as just asking for a swell of lawsuits.

“This could become a lawsuit magnet well beyond the borders of California,” said Tom Scott, executive director of the Sacramento-based California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse. “You‘re just going to see trial lawyers walking up and down grocery store aisles saying this doesn’t meet the labeling requirements.”

The change could also place a new financial burden on farms, said Jamie Johansson, an Oroville farmer who is second vice president of the California Farm Bureau Federation.

“Then, of course, there are the legal concerns about verifying that you are GMO-free,” he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Featured image via Shutterstock. 

Comments (44)

  • georgepatton
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 8:32pm

    When you hear these words”Hi I‘m from the goverment and I’m here to help”.
    RUN LIKE HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Passerby
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 11:38am

    They will create a monster that will eat the skin off our faces…

    …that replicates.

    There are many dangers we face, things that will exterminate us, but none so certain as the computer programming of DNA. It’s a mathematical fact (Incompleteness Theorem) that it’s always mathematically proven unknowable if it will eat the skin off our faces or not.

    Pure evil.

    Report Post » Passerby  
  • Byrdi
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 8:59am

    Several countries in the EU want Monsanto completely out of their countries. Look how much autism and autoimmune disease has increased since the 90′s. Asthma also. Something is wrong and nobody is interested in fixing it except to restrict sugar salt, and fat. I now have 5 bees in my flower bed, the most I have seen in several years. I used roundup for weeds and poison ivy several years ago and finally the bees are coming back and they actually look almost healthy.

    Report Post »  
    • jhrusky
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 9:33am

      You are so very correct. Monsanto has gone so far in India as to make it illegal to use and plant NON-GMO seeds for their farmers! How sad is that? While I have nothing against capitalism, the end result of unregulated capitalism is one corporation owning absolutely everything and that does not end well.

      We have found that raising bees (just a small hive) actually increases production and quality of our organic vegetables and fruits in our land. This is because there are so many more bees now in our area pollinating plants Plus, we get the extra added treat of fresh honey.

      Report Post » jhrusky  
    • Profarmer
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 11:28am

      I farm for a living. I understand both sides of the GMO debate. I have a question I would like answered by whoever can answer it. How do you propose to produce 250 bushels an acre of field corn, 1250 lbs per acre of cotton, 60 bushels per acre of soybeans, 90 bushels per acre of wheat, and 125 bushels per acre of sorghum. These are the yields that I try to achieve every year. These yields are what it takes for me to survive. Also I would need to produce these yields with no commercial fertilizer, herbicides, or pesticides. Obviously all of my seed would be non-GMO, probably can’t effectively use irrigation either since that takes diesel to run. Seeing as the diesel is a fossil fuel and using it is obviously “the end of the world” I would also not be able to use my machinery. Solve these problems and get back to me. Until then I will keep feeding thousands of hungry mouths that would otherwise starve.

      Report Post »  
    • jhrusky
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 12:58pm

      @ profarmer

      The problem is not you. I fully sympathize with you on this. The problem was allowing GMOs to get as far as they have. Before them you were able to farm and, most likely, earned a better living than you are today. Many farmers did. But we‘ve traveled down this road so very far already that it’s going to be quite painful to get out of it assuming we can.

      The world survived without GMOs for a fair number of years so we know it can. This one-world this and that is what is harming us. We’re taking what should be food for starving people and, instead, turning it into fuel that is not even efficient. We’re producing seeds that are killing bees and pollinators (how much corn do you think you’re going to produce when there are no more pollinators flying around?). We’re going so far as to tell farmers in other countries who want to farm organically that they will be imprisoned if they do that (when is this coming to this country?).

      Yes, there are some very hard problems to fix and assuming we can fix them, there will be a price to pay, but in the long run, I think it’ll be better for all.

      And I know diesel and other fossil fuels are pollutants, and I’d like to see less pollution, but we need to find a good way to do this … perhaps nuclear tractors and vehicles? A small nuclear core in each one? Seems reasonable if it can be done safely.

      Report Post » jhrusky  
    • Profarmer
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 3:17pm

      @JHRUSKY. I understand your perspective and for the most part agree with you. If I was aware of concrete evidence that my commodities were harmful I would immediately change to safer alternatives. The idea of throwing out massive gains in production over general viewpoints and opinions is not a sound path forward. I just can’t see how skyrocketing production cost are going to couple well with lower yielding lower quality non-GMO production. That’s not a knock on organic ag it is just a reality of a hungry world. I really don’t think the world will ever go to bed with a full stomach as long as politics are involved anyway.

      The Internet has transformed the way we live. It has also opened the door for identity theft, so would we stop using it? Life is inherently risky. A risk averse methodology is a sure way to go backwards.

      Report Post »  
    • MrObvious
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 11:39pm

      The GMO debate is not capitalism vs environmentalism, as it’s often framed, but rather government corruption vs honorable business practices.

      We have no way to know what GMOs do; because, we’re not allowed to know.

      Labeling is basic.
      We label Russets differently from Idahos. Why not label GMOs?
      If the argument is only that people will be scared and not buy them, that’s a public relations issue.
      Hiding things from the public, in this way, is simply dishonorable.

      Label the stuff, let the people decide what they want.

      Whatever it is that’s selling, I’m sure there are farmers out there willing to grow it.
      If people stop buying GMO corn, farmers will plant conventional corn.
      If they yields are a bit lower, prices will go up.
      Innovative new solutions, that don’t scare people, will arise; and, prices will go back down again.

      Anyway, CO2 is plant food; so, run the diesel.

      Report Post »  
    • DTOM_Jericho (Creator vindicator)
      Posted on June 17, 2012 at 6:06pm

      @profarmer
      I disagree, the problem is you. Your points are moot. Especially corn…it’s all burned for ethanol anyway. The we bring in foreign corn to eat. GMOs are literally poisonous, cancer-causing, abominations of nature and/or God(take your pick). I farm also. I use livestock to fertilize the same fields they eat, chickens to control the parasites and bugs as they provide more fertalizer. I use ducks to keep ticks off the chickens. There’s your chemical free ecosystem. I even use herbal wormers. I only use heirloom varieties. All farm subsidies should be halted then sustainables would wipe out big Agra frakenfarmers like you. In other words if you “farmers” participated in a FREE market, it would solve the problems. Yeah it’s great for the environment but I really care more about stopping crony captilistic farming.  Don’t tread on me!

      Report Post » DTOM_Jericho (Creator vindicator)  
    • Profarmer
      Posted on June 18, 2012 at 9:34am

      @DTOM – I would like to see where your facts came from. They are incorrect. 100% of US corn is not made into ethanol. US corn growers exported 43.5 mmt of corn last year. US ag is one of the few US industries with a positive trade balance. Your organic farming solutions have merit but are not feasible for commercial ag. People with narrow viewpoints that leave no room for debate and are “the only people doing things right” are the problem.

      Report Post »  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 1:18am

    http://www.nationofchange.org/monsanto-s-roundup-killing-human-kidney-cells-1331826999

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 1:16am

    Sorry guys it didn’t come thru.. maybe this will?? http://www.nationofchange.org/first-super-weeds-now-super-insects-thanks-monsanto-1338362046

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 1:08am

    If it says GMO I refuse to buy it.. they now know why the bee’s were dying… GMO grown food..the blooming plants kill.. So whats it doing to us!! Grow your own from Non GMO seeds.. organic..
    http://www.nationofchange.org/first-super-weeds-now-super-insects-thanks-mons...

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
    • loriann12
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 6:30am

      Did you notice the milk labeling? It used to say it was free of antibiotics (forget the name, but starts with a little i?) Now it says the FDA had determined there’s not difference between modified and unmodified milk. I read somewhere they made it ILLEGAL to labe it hormone/antibiotic free. It means people won’t buy it and they know it. they give growth hormones which give the cows mastitis. If they didn’t give antibiotics, we’d have puss and blood in our milk. I just switched to Almond milk, even if it does cost twice as much.

      Report Post »  
  • MrObvious
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 12:21am

    Labeling things what they are is expected, and normal.
    There is no good reason to make exceptions for GMO.
    GMOs should have names that match their modifications (in the very least).

    Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 6:32am

      They don’t label it because they copy right the formula. They won‘t let farmers save seed for next year’s planting because they want them to buy all their seed each year. It’s a money thing. If they let some label their stuff GMO free, people will buy it instead of those labeled GMO. Then they won’t have control over what we eat. Once they get ALL foods GMO, they’ll have a corner on the market. control the food, control the people.

      Report Post »  
    • MrObvious
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 11:48pm

      When government officials make rules to profit a specific business at the expense of others, that’s commonly known as graft (Ironically enough).

      It has nothing whatsoever to do with the free market system.
      If anything it’s the exact opposite of a free market.

      We need to make sure Romney and the conservatives that gain power next year know, that, in addition to getting the economy back on it’s feet, we need, to specifically correct these kinds of injustices.

      Romney will actually have the power to reverse the original EPA decision that allowed the mixing of GMO and non GMO produce, via executive order.

      Congress can pass GMO labeling laws that require everyone to label there stuff what it actually is.

      If Monsanto, or whomever, does not like it, tough.

      Let em grow a pear and play on a level playing field, like the rest of us.

      Report Post »  
  • wifezilla
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 8:05pm

    There is a big difference between hybridization and genetic modification. Man has been hybridizing food since since figuring out the whole agriculture thing. Nothing wrong with trying to breed for desirable traits. Genetic modification is a whole different thing. It involves cross species gene splicing, creating terminator seeds and making plants produce their own pesticides.

    I want the choice whether or not I ingest GMOs. Label the damn things.

    Report Post » wifezilla  
    • Plan B
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 9:31pm

      Label it and let me make the choice. No Monsanto, No GMO. In 2002 parts of Africa were having a severe famine. Not wanting their foods exposed to GMO’s they faught having to accept this crap as aid. They eventually gave in, but there is no reason we have to. If we were starving, perhaps, Please just let me make the choice for my family.

      Report Post »  
    • MRMANN
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 7:56am

      I’m with you. No Frankenfood/GMOs for me, please .I’m with you!

      Report Post »  
    • Brooke Lorren
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 12:44pm

      I want the choice as well. While I normally am not a fan of regulations, this is one that I do support. Right now, I believe, companies are not allowed to label their products as GMO-free. The only people that would be opposed to that would be people like Montesanto.

      I‘ve had major health problems before from another one of Montesanto’s wonderful products, aspartame, which is supposed to be fine to consume… or they were at least major to me. I couldn‘t remember anything and I thought that I was getting Alzheimer’s in my 20s. After years of being aspartame free, my memory is almost back to where it was before.

      Who knows what these GMOs are doing to us? I didn’t find out how badly the aspartame would affect me until years after I started drinking diet soda. If you allow labeling, at least I can make the choice about whether to avoid a GMO product or not.

      Report Post »  
  • LameLiberals
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 7:37pm

    labeling system would only serve to devalue foods that were certified organic (therefore without GMOs).

    EXACTLY! Because a lot of people would rightfully AVOID GMO foods. Label everything and give people a CHOICE. That is America.

    Report Post »  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 11:39pm

      Find food that is still produced in the U.S. most comes from foreign countries where we have no idea what or how it is grown.

      Report Post »  
  • LameLiberals
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 7:36pm

    ALL food should be labeled for what it is.

    Companies KNOW buyers would avoid their product if it was genetically modified.

    I heard American food called FRANKEN FOOD by a British friend years ago and at first I was offended but then realized the EU has stricter “what they put into their foods and everything labeled than we do.

    BETTER TO KNOW – then NOT KNOW.

    Report Post »  
  • HPC172ERTAV
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 4:50pm

    IDIOTS ALL our food has been genetically altered. We have been BREEDING our Hens, cows, pigs, watermelon, Tomatoes, peaches, Potatoes, Grapefruits etc for centuries nay THOUSANDS of years. The production of food has gone up to the point that countries once written off by the vaulted UN as unsalvageable in the 70′s (India, Bangladesh) are now food EXPORTING. Potatoes when first discovered in South America would be considered inedible today. Grapefruit used to be all seeds. And as a boy watermelon seed fights were fun (I now prefer seedless). The left will not be happy until the population of the planet is down to 100,000,000. (Uh them of course).

    The left has been responsible for more death and suffering than ALL the wars ever fought combined.

    Report Post »  
    • jhrusky
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 5:10pm

      Actually, you’re wrong.

      Breeding in no way alters the genetics that God placed in animals and plants. What those of us who want wholesome food are about is getting rid of the non-natural foods, the spliced genes in our foodstuffs that MIGHT be unhealthy. When you splice genes from some pest killer into corn and then feed it to humans (or cattle who then human beings eat), you are risking something that you simply do not understand. Monsanto has been fighting this tooth and nail for many years now, and they continually use the “it’ll raise the cost of food” argument which is a stupid argument. A line on any label stating “This food contains GMOs” or some such thing is not going to raise the price as companies are creating new labels all the time.

      Now, it may create lawsuits for those trying to pass off GMO-laden food as organic, but them’s the wages of cheating and lying to the people.

      Many of us want good, wholesome, healthy foods. We want to know exactly what we’re eating. There is the possibility that GMO food is causing the outbreak of ADHD and other bad things that have been happening for some time — it might not be the vaccines nor the drugs that mom and dad did afterall.

      Report Post » jhrusky  
    • jhrusky
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 5:12pm

      “Breeding in no way alters the genetics that God placed in animals and plants. ”

      Actually, what I meant to say was breeding in no way alters the natural genetics that God placed in animals and plants.

      Report Post » jhrusky  
    • Rightallalong
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 9:28am

      I think you need to take a basic biology class and do some reading on GMO. You are WAY wrong on your statement. Hybridization and Genetically Modified are completely different.

      Come on sheep … stop believeing the Monsanto marketing campaign.

      Actually, you know what, keep eating your HFCS and GMO food … its good for you!! And don’t forget to get your 50+ shots laced with mercury as a dessert

      Report Post » Rightallalong  
  • kdshell1
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 3:47pm

    Just label the foods and let people know whether their food is GMOed or GEed so that they can decide whether they want to eat it. Don’t let the big farmers/processors feed you whatever makes them the big busks at the expenses of your health (without your knowledge), whether GM, GE, or synthetic ingredients. Your health is worth it. Remember, knowledge is power to you; ignorance is power to them.

    Report Post »  
    • NancyO
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 6:50am

      There’s a lot more to the defective food than the introduction of pesticides, hormones, etc. The metabolic disaster that occurs when eating non-GMO but drastically hybridized wheat (which is in virtually everything we buy today) is truly frightening. I’m suggesting concerned people review the work of one William Davis, MD, who exposes the multitude of ways in which our un-evolved human metabolic system is damaged by trying to handle basic grains that are worlds different from those we can use. Please don’t seize on a simple moniker like “GMO” to think we’ve solved all the food problems that are making us sick and fat.

      Report Post »  
  • ICEDRAGONNITE
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 3:27pm

    Label the food for all the modifications, including all HALAL food that is prayed to honor Satan.

    Report Post » ICEDRAGONNITE  
    • kimbolimbo
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 9:40am

      Now that’s just silly. There is nothing worng with halal food. It’s actually pretty delicious. They don’t do anything terrible to the food and you only have to worry about that if you walk into an arabic market or restaurant. Arabic food is actually very healthy. Stop fearing something that you don’t understand.

      Report Post »  
  • Buddynoel
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 3:13pm

    Foolishness. To those who want nothing to do with GMO, tell them marijuana, in its natural state, was grown to make rope. It is only genetically modified to get you high. In it’s natural state, it’s hemp.

    Report Post » Buddynoel  
    • jhrusky
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 9:37am

      And your point is? You wouldn’t have your highs if it was not for GMOs?

      Monsanto — the people that brought us Agent Orange

      Report Post » jhrusky  
    • Obamalarky
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 11:12am

      Wrong, hemp and mary J have always coexisted. Just like we have more than one kind of dog or cat, we have different strains of mary j. Cross breeding is not the same as GMO. My wife is black, I am white, my kids are not GMO.

      Report Post »  
  • theblazerunner
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 2:56pm

    eat the bs…see what it does to you.

    countries around the globe trying to get rid of this stuff.

    crimes against humanity…

    Report Post » theblazerunner  
  • HorseCrazy
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 2:54pm

    I own cattle ranches and a few organic farms. I do no gmo heritage style seeds only. My family has been doing this since it wasn’t cool trendy and the term green become mainstream. for your health don’t eat it folks. eat real meat eat real fruit and veggies and don’t be fooled the gmo spreads into neighboring yards if youre an at home gardener. sometimes science just shouldn’t and as a 3rd generation farm kid, be careful. all that junk you put in your mouth can be made at home, potato and corn chips etc. that we all crave. we make all of ours. I know money can be really tight right now so buying organic feels just like a rip off, just be careful buying the big boxed items. those tv dinners etc you have no idea what country produces that meat or even packages the entrees. if you follow the chain of food to china you would be better off eating grass than that stuff.

    Report Post »  
    • netmail
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 3:28pm

      Amen!! And coming from someone who REALLY knows!! Amen again!!

      Report Post »  
    • jhrusky
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 5:14pm

      And there is a good possibility what is called “meat” in those things are pretty far from meat.

      http://goodearthfarms.com
      Some of the best grass-fed natural meat I’ve ever eaten.

      Report Post » jhrusky  
    • listeninginVT
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 5:33pm

      oddly, when I first was slowly adjusting over to organic foods, I’m like—-pricey…..I picked local apples,bought local veggies that my family eats tons of, bought a freezer, I’m set for the winter, essentially ‘buying bulk’. ok. that’s in the first year, now I go to the farm and pick up my beef and some pig, and raw milk. still getting ‘all natural no antibiotics, no hormone, veggie fed chicken, but that is about to go to org. farm chicken. So, took just about 1 year to be 100% organic for all foods. NOW, I’ve started a garden this year, :-) very happy, nothing in it yet; but my grocery bill is much lower than before. ?????? WHY, I’m buying organic???? Well, It seems we don’t eat as much quantity as before, I think we are getting more nutrition out of the food so we are in actuality eating less….. I didn’t expect that. Can‘t wait to ’can’ my first foods, I’m starting w/ fermenting veggies. Be well.

      Report Post »  
    • jhrusky
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 5:42pm

      @ listeninginvt

      Once you eat fresh, organic vegetables, you wonder how you could ever stand that GMO crap they have in grocery stores … there is a world of difference in flavor and yes, I think you are correct in that it takes less to satisfy you.

      I do stay away from raw milk, however. I drank it out of our bulk tank when on the farm years ago as I knew that was very clean, but today I don’t want to risk lysteria.

      Report Post » jhrusky  
  • ChevalierdeJohnstone
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 2:40pm

    Like the meaningless “organic” label, this new label will be a scam to make more money for government bureaucrats and the big ag interests. If you want food you can trust, buy it from people you can trust.

    Report Post »  
  • Deb C
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 2:17pm

    You have to ask yourself – Beneficial to Whom ? The answer will tell you which side you’re on.

    Report Post » Deb C  
  • LiteSeeker
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 2:05pm

    We are already eating it , so what does it really matter?
    Google what it does to your health.

    Report Post » LiteSeeker  

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