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Gmo Labeling

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The general argument made by the editors of Scientific American in the article “Fight the GMO Food Scare” is the labeling of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) products is superfluous because of the innocuous hazards of GMOs. According to the editors, “instead of providing people with useful information, mandatory GMO labels would only intensify the misconception that so-called Frankenfoods endanger people's health.” Here, the editors are basically saying that labeling would have a harmful effect, rather than a helpful one (as intended), since the requirement would make it seem like these foods are dangerous. In addition, the editors claim that labeling GMO products would cause a “family's yearly food bill by as much as $400”as “conventional crops often require more water and pesticides than GMOs do”. The editors also argue that “such …show more content…

Food and Drug Administration has tested [and approved] all the GMOs on the market". The FDA does not have adequate information to deem these products safe because they haven't tested the long term effects. What is troubling is that anything that has been removed from the market by the FDA, was also once approved by the FDA. They are under no liability to ensure that these products are safe; they aren't sued, the companies are. In addition, a previous article, titled “Do Seed Companies Control GM Crop Research?” written by Scientific American (also from the editors) contradicts this article. It states that “unfortunately, it is impossible to verify that genetically modified crops perform as advertised. That is because agritech companies have given themselves veto power over the work of independent researchers.” By containing false and contradictory statements, the credibility of this article (ethos) is greatly diminished. This certainly is a relevant piece for all food consumers in America, because ultimately it is up to us to decide to police our

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