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Why Genetically Engineered Foods Should be Labeled: Gary Hirshberg at TEDxManhattan
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Why Genetically Engineered Foods Should be Labeled: Gary Hirshberg at TEDxManhattan

The Right to Know: GMO Labeling in the U.S.

Introduction to GMOs and the Need for Transparency

  • The speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing what is in our food, particularly regarding genetically engineered organisms (GMOs), which are plants or animals with altered genetic makeup.
  • Genetic engineering involves transferring genetic material between species, a process that cannot occur naturally or through traditional breeding methods.

Government Responsibility and Patent Issues

  • The failure of the federal government to mandate labeling for GMOs is viewed as a breach of its responsibility to inform citizens about these new life forms.
  • The U.S. Patent Office recognizes genetically engineered crops as unique entities, granting patents that can be defended legally against farmers who inadvertently save seeds from contaminated crops.

FDA's Stance on GMOs

  • In contrast, the FDA has maintained since 1992 that genetically engineered crops are "substantially equivalent" to non-GMO crops, leading to a lack of mandatory labeling.
  • This policy was established without public input or congressional approval, stemming from an initiative led by then Vice President Dan Quayle.

Prevalence of GMOs in Food Supply

  • A significant portion of U.S. agriculture now consists of genetically engineered products: 90% of soybeans and 85% of corn are genetically modified.
  • Over 75% of processed foods contain genetically engineered materials, yet most consumers remain unaware due to lack of labeling.

Global Perspectives on GMO Labeling

  • Many countries worldwide require labeling for GMOs; this includes all EU nations and other progressive countries like Russia and China.
  • The speaker questions why these nations provide such liberties regarding food transparency while the U.S. does not, hinting at corporate influence over regulatory policies.

Safety vs. Labeling Debate

  • The discussion around safety should not overshadow the need for transparency; whether a product is safe does not negate the requirement for it to be labeled if it alters food significantly.