Gone are the days when you could walk into a grocery store and have little to no idea about whether the food you are purchasing has genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or not. It’s a small victory in the larger fight surrounding food labels and consumer transparency – food companies are now required by law to disclose the presence of GMOs in their products and are prohibited from using the label “natural” on such goods.
This change comes as a result of a quiet revolution that took place in Vermont. The state government declared that from July 1, 2016, GMO foods sold in Vermont must be labeled as containing GMOs. Here’s how the labeling looks: labels on raw GMO food will have to say it was “produced with genetic engineering,” while packages of processed food will have to say either “produced with genetic engineering” or “may be produced with genetic engineering.”
###Big Food versus Consumer Rights
Although Vermont’s new rules are a massive win for the average American, the Big Food companies and associations didn’t go down without a fight. Many disagree with the requirement, arguing that there’s no significant difference between GMO foods and regular foods, at least in terms of how they affect human health.
However, food activist Marion Nestle pointed out that if there is no difference between GMO and non-GMO foods, then these companies should have no issue labeling their products. She says it’s strange that the biotechnology industry, Grocery Manufacturers Association, and many food companies pump millions of dollars into fighting GMO labeling laws.
###The No-Longer-So-Mysterious World of GMOs
To give some context, genetically modified organisms are created by manipulating an organism’s genetic material to produce a specific desired trait, such as resistance to diseases or improved nutrition levels. While GMOs can improve crop yields and increase food production, they have been embroiled in controversy since they were first introduced in the 1980s.
GMOs have been under the scanner for a myriad of reasons, including potential health risks, ethical concerns, and environmental issues, such as the increased use of herbicides and pesticides that can cause soil degradation and reduced biodiversity.
###Your Right to Know What You’re Eating
The crux of the matter is that you, as a consumer, have the right to know what you are putting into your body. Labeling food products that contain GMOs is a steadfast way to make consumer choices more informed.
While Vermont’s decision is undoubtedly a momentous victory, it’s essential to remember that so far it’s only one state. Many other states are yet to follow suit, and until that happens, it’s challenging to navigate the grocery store aisles without proper labeling. Thankfully, some resources can help you make informed decisions today even if you don’t live in Vermont.
One such resource is the Institute for Responsible Technology’s Non-GMO Shopping Guide website, which offers a comprehensive list of products that are known not to contain genetically modified organisms. This guide covers everything from drinks, desserts, and packaged foods to supplements and wholesale products.
###The Long Road Ahead
While the fight for consumer transparency is far from over, Vermont’s new rules offer a beam of hope that there is a possibility for a more health-conscious future. As consumers, it’s essential to stay updated and informed about the food we purchase and consume, and to make our choices accordingly. With resources like the Non-GMO Shopping Guide and the improved labeling laws in Vermont, it’s becoming easier for us to make more informed decisions about our health and wellbeing.
GMOs’ usage may be debated for years to come, but one thing is certain – the need for better transparency from food companies. Vermont’s new labeling rules are just the beginning, and if the rest of America follows suit, the GMO food fight will ultimately be a victory for consumers’ right to know what they’re eating.
