This document discusses issues around mandatory labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food. It notes that while most Americans support labeling, many do not understand GMOs or the genetic engineering process. Both supporters and opponents of labeling provide various arguments. Supporters argue Americans have a right to know and labeling is required in other countries, while opponents argue labeling could increase costs for consumers and negatively impact products with GMOs if they are associated with health risks. The document considers questions around what should be labeled and impacts of labeling, and concludes more transparency and education is needed around the science of GMOs and potential ramifications of labeling policies.

1. Should GMO LabelingShould GMO Labeling
Be Mandatory?Be Mandatory?
VS.
An Unbiased Approach On The GMO Labeling IssueAn Unbiased Approach On The GMO Labeling Issue

2. Underlying Issues
A majority of Americans support
labeling without knowing much
about GMO's or the GE process.
How can the stigma behind
GMO's and technology be
removed?
Scare Tactics vs. Science Fact

3. What Do AmericansWhat Do Americans
Really Know AboutReally Know About
GMO's?GMO's?

4. Views Shared ByViews Shared By
The PublicThe Public
Benefits of LabelingBenefits of Labeling
Americans Feel They Have A Right To KnowAmericans Feel They Have A Right To Know
Potential Health Risks?Potential Health Risks?
Religious or Moral BeliefsReligious or Moral Beliefs
Labeling Is Mandatory In Many CountriesLabeling Is Mandatory In Many Countries
The Majority Feel It Is NecessaryThe Majority Feel It Is Necessary

5. Political Advantage?
Big Money Is Spent On Lobbying The GovernmentBig Money Is Spent On Lobbying The Government
The Public Develops A Distrust Of The UnknownThe Public Develops A Distrust Of The Unknown

6. Views From IndustryViews From Industry
DRAWBACKS FROM LABELINGDRAWBACKS FROM LABELING
COSTS ABSORBED BY THE CONSUMERCOSTS ABSORBED BY THE CONSUMER
GMO'S PULLED TO PREVENT CUSTOMER LOSSGMO'S PULLED TO PREVENT CUSTOMER LOSS
CONSUMERS ASSOCIATE LABEL WITH HEALTH RISKSCONSUMERS ASSOCIATE LABEL WITH HEALTH RISKS
RIGOROUS TESTING BY THE FDARIGOROUS TESTING BY THE FDA
NON-GMO CHOICES READILY AVAILABLENON-GMO CHOICES READILY AVAILABLE

7. Economic Impacts

8. What Should Be
Labeled?
What constitutes being labeled?What constitutes being labeled?
Non-Retail Sources? Restaurants?Non-Retail Sources? Restaurants?
Secondary Source GM ConsumptionSecondary Source GM Consumption
Social or Environmental InfoSocial or Environmental Info

9. Toxic Common Foods
Rhubarb- Oxalic Acid
Spices- Variety of Toxins
Potatoes & Tomatoes- Glycoalkiloids
Almonds- Hydrogen Cyanide
Raw Honey- Grayanotoxins
Fish- Mercury & PCB's
Ruby Red Grapefruit- Radiation
Seed Fruits- Arsenic

10. What Needs To
Happen Now!
Increase the Transparency in the ScienceIncrease the Transparency in the Science
and makeand make EDUCATINGEDUCATING the Public a Priority!the Public a Priority!
The Public needs to consider theThe Public needs to consider the
RAMIFICATIONSRAMIFICATIONS that may occur as a resultthat may occur as a result
of mandatory labeling!of mandatory labeling!

11. References
Byrne, P., D. Pendell, and G. Graff. "Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods."
Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods. Colorado State University, Oct.
2014. Web. 02 June 2015.
Ronald, Pamela. "How Scare Tactics on GMO Foods Hurt Everybody." MIT
Technology Review. N.p., 12 June 2014. Web. 02 June 2015.
foods-hurt-everybody/
http://www.technologyreview.com/view/528331/how-scare-tactics-on-gmo-
Staff. "10 Deadly Foods You Probably Have in Your Kitchen." Fox News.
FOX News Network, 31 Jan. 2014. Web. 02 June 2015.
<http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2014/01/31/worlds-deadliest-delicacies/>.
Staff. "Understanding GMOs." National Consumers League. N.p., Feb. 2014.
Web. 02 June 2015. <http://www.nclnet.org/understanding_gmos>.