Viewpoint

Genetically modified foods should be labeled

By Rob Goodspeed

Daily Editorial Writer

In September, independent activist groups discovered genetically modified (GM) corn not approved for human consumption was in taco shells. By November, the FDA had recalled nearly 300 varieties of tacos, tortillas, tostadas and chips made with the unapproved genetically altered corn from the market. And while the corn, known as Starlink, has not been proven to cause harm to people, it is disturbing that an unapproved crop could pervade the food supply so completely. Indeed, officials are still searching for 1.2 million bushels of the 80 million bushel Starlink crop.

This episode raises the greater issue of genetically engineered foods: Most Americans unwittingly consume genetically modified foods. Since approved and unapproved genetically modified crops can induce allergic reactions and because the public has a fundamental right to know the ingredients of their food, the FDA should institute a system to protect against the use of unapproved crops in foods. All products containing genetically modified ingredients should be labeled.

Ironically, before the Starlink fiasco, most people probably were not aware that genetically modified (GM) crops had become mainstream. The list of recalled products suggests the widespread nature of GM crops. This list includes many grocery store private-label brands: Kroger, Food Lion, IGO, Safeway, Wal-Mart and Meijer. It is safe to say that if you live in America and buy food at a grocery store, you have eaten a GM food. Mothers for Natural Law, a GM food advocacy group, claims that 60 to 70 percent of foods in U.S. grocery stores contain genetically modified ingredients. And since 60 percent of processed food in U.S. grocery stores contains at least one soybean product, and half of all soybeans planted this year are Roundup Ready soybeans (a GM variety resistant to the roundup spray), most Americans unknowingly ingest genetically modified foods. Many varieties of GM soybeans corn and some varieties of produce exist.

For a variety of reasons, the FDA should require that foods containing GM foods be labeled. The protein in the unapproved Starlink corn, known as the Cry9C, has been identified for study during the World Health Organization's upcoming allergenicity conference in Rome this January. Both approved and unapproved GM crops contain similar proteins, like those in peanuts, which can induce allergic reactions in some people.

Since some degree of ambiguity exists in any new breed, consumers should be able to avoid GM foods like many avoid the dye Red 40 or peanuts today. In a greater sense, consumers should be able to make a moral decision about GM foods, just as some choose to eat only Kosher or organic foods. In response to recent developments, U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, an Ohio Democrat, proposed legislation that would require all GM foods be labeled, but it was withdrawn because of a lack of support in the House. He has also proposed legislation to fund research about unknown allergens in GM foods and assess the risk of GM fish escaping into the wild. The Ann Arbor City Council recently voted in support of the testing and labeling genetically modified food. Independent organizations have long campaigned for GM food-labeling laws, similar to those already in place in Europe.

While some GM crops elicit allergic reactions in humans and the pollen from some kill butterflies, researchers continue to create what they claim will be healthier, more insect-repellent GM potato, tomato, corn and soy species. Meanwhile many companies are forging ahead in the brave new world of GM animals: Already a breed new of fast-growing salmon has been developed for aquaculture. The American public has a fundamental right to know which foods contain GM ingredients.

Even though GM foods have the potential to solve many problems, they must be carefully regulated to prevent unintended harm to consumers and the environment.