Abstract
The debate as to whether to require mandatory labeling of genetically modified organism (GMO) foods was partially settled on 29 July 2016, when President Obama signed the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard into public law. In contrast to precipitating legislation passed by the State of Vermont that required disclosure of GMO ingredients on food shelves or food packages, the superseding National Standard allows firms to disclose bioengineered ingredients to consumers via symbols, electronic or digital links, or phone numbers, and further requires a study assessing the ability of consumers to access disclosure information by these means. This communication analyzes survey responses from 525 adults to investigate whether U.S. consumers are able to obtain information as per the disclosure methods allowed in the Federal legislation. The survey probes deeper to investigate consumer perceptions of genetically modified organisms and whether consumers would use the tools available to access disclosure about bioengineered ingredients. Findings from the survey show that 93.8% of respondents have the ability to access information via the disclosure methods permitted. Those in the lowest income group, and from the oldest age group are least likely to have such access. This provides the United State Department of Agriculture with information relevant to how they can implement the law and highlights particular demographic segments that may require additional attention to ensure the disclosed information is universally accessible.
Highlights
The debate on whether to require mandatory labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on food labels [1] was partially settled on 29 July 2016, when President Obama signed the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard into public law [2]
The law effectively suspends any state-level mandatory labeling requirements meaning that any GMO labeling in the United States will continue to be voluntary on the part of firms until at least July 2018
Of the 525 survey respondents, 93.8% had access to the alternative means for accessing GMO information about foods allowed in the National Biotechnology Disclosure Standard signed into law in 2016
Summary
The debate on whether to require mandatory labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on food labels [1] was partially settled on 29 July 2016, when President Obama signed the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard into public law [2]. Sponsors of legislation and ballot initiatives along with others supportive of mandatory labeling argue that consumers have a ‘right to know’ about the technologies used in the production of the food they consume [6,7,8]. Those opposed to mandatory policies or more skeptical of a mandatory labeling approach worry that mandatory labels may be ineffective as many consumers lack a fundamental understanding of the issue [9]. Skeptics and opponents note that the U.S Food and Drug Administration continues to assess GMOs for risks to human health and the environment [10] and point to a recent assessment by the National Academy of Sciences that summarizes “ . . . no substantiated evidence that foods from GE [genetically engineered] crops were less safe than foods from non-GE crops . . . ” nor conclusive cause-and-effect evidence of environmental problems from GE crops [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
