Labelling of Genetically Modified food...

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So

Lifer
Jul 2, 2001
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Originally posted by: SP33Demon
Originally posted by: Pacemaker
I don't care if science has "proved" it's safe, but I wouldn't mind the option of not using it. The only real way to know for sure is to let it out into the market and study those who use it.
Exactly, this should be about us given a choice to eat GM foods, just like Europeans get. Makes you wonder how much $$ is involved to not be able to get something as small as GM labelling passed. IMO, if we are required to show ingredients, then we should list whether it was GM.

AFAIK, Europeans don't have the option of cheap GM food, even if they want it.
 

lozina

Lifer
Sep 10, 2001
11,711
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Originally posted by: So

Which was done a long time ago. You want 100% Not the 99% that they gave you. A bridge is 99% safe based on what they know, just like GM food.

Link?
 

mugs

Lifer
Apr 29, 2003
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Originally posted by: lozina
Originally posted by: So
Originally posted by: lozina
Originally posted by: So
Originally posted by: bignateyk
Originally posted by: So
Because we don't have irrational anti GMO hysteria running rampant in this county (yet?).


god I cant wait till that happens.

It'll be fun. I mean, we all hate science already, so why not throw as many irrational fears onto the pile as possible.

How are people even slightly surprised that evolution is 'unpopular' when science is thrown out the door?

That's what I want, I want science to convince us that GMO food is completely safe (specifically long-term health)

So you want a negative proven, just like Bush wanted Saddam to prove that he didn't have WMD's

:roll:

Erm... not quite. Sort of like when a new bridge is constructed they have engineers and inspectors verify that the bridge will in fact not collapse when normal traffic goes over it and will last a sufficiently long time.

In which case they have thresholds that they test against. You can't conclusively prove that something won't ever hurt you.

I think it's funny how people equate natural with good and "chemical" with bad - but now our natural substances aren't natural enough!
 

So

Lifer
Jul 2, 2001
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Originally posted by: mugs

In which case they have thresholds that they test against. You can't conclusively prove that something won't ever hurt you.

I think it's funny how people equate natural with good and "chemical" with bad - but now our natural substances aren't natural enough!

Exactly. This is what I was trying to get at.
 

mordantmonkey

Diamond Member
Dec 23, 2004
3,075
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Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
"Genetic Modification" is nothing but breeding with much more precision. All kinds of "GMO free" foods were genetically modified over the course of human history, before people knew what genes were. You think nature made the chihuahua, poodle, and dachsund? Nope. They were bred to be the way they are.

except chihuahuas, poodles, and dachsunds still contain only canine DNA. A better example would be mules, pluots, and tangeloes but still not quite accurate. The craze of GMO's isn't in using DNA that the species already has, it's in injecting new DNA, when the consequences aren't or possibly can't be fully known.
 

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
24,514
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Because there are absolutely no scientifically valid studies showing GMO foods to be linked to any increased health risk whatsoever. Only large quantities of reactionary FUD being spread by people who can't think logically.

ZV
 

lozina

Lifer
Sep 10, 2001
11,711
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Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Because there are absolutely no scientifically valid studies showing GMO foods to be linked to any increased health risk whatsoever. Only large quantities of reactionary FUD being spread by people who can't think logically.

ZV

Well, what about this article, it seems to be pretty rational
 

MagnusTheBrewer

IN MEMORIAM
Jun 19, 2004
24,122
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I'm sorry but what makes ANYONE think that labeling GM foods in Europe has ANYTHING to do with offering choices or public health? It is politically motivated economics pure and simple.

 

SP33Demon

Lifer
Jun 22, 2001
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Originally posted by: lokiju
Because if the FDA has deemed the food harmless and just as safe as non GM foods then there is no advantage of one over the other (in theory) thus there is no reason to label it.
So because the FDA says corn that's been soaked in RoundUp chemicals is "safe", I should eat it? Aside from the fact that many FDA officials used to work for Monsanto (company of GM RoundUp Ready crops)? Do you really believe the FDA is looking out for your best interests?

But back on topic, this about having a choice, which we currently do not have. I don't care if you like to eat crops that have been drowned in chemicals or not, you shouldn't be forced to eat this stuff. W/out labels, we don't have a choice which is the whole point of this topic.
Peters said the FDA applies a double standard because it allows companies to use terms, such as "fat-free" and "cholesterol- free," but not "GMOfree." "We not only have no mandatory labeling, the FDA has put barriers in the way of voluntary labeling. As a result, we have mandatory purchasing of GM foods," he said.

McGarity said the FDA's policy favoring voluntary labels on GM foods is inconsistent with its mandatory labeling requirement on irradiated foods.

Text
 

daniel1113

Diamond Member
Jun 6, 2003
6,448
0
0
Originally posted by: SP33Demon
So because the FDA says corn that's been soaked in RoundUp chemicals is "safe", I should eat it? Aside from the fact that many FDA officials used to work for Monsanto (company of GM RoundUp Ready crops)? Do you really believe the FDA is looking out for your best interests?

If you truly believe that statement, I feel sorry for you, as I find it hard to believe that you can trust anyone. What a terrible way to live.

Originally posted by: SP33Demon
But back on topic, this about having a choice, which we currently do not have. I don't care if you like to eat crops that have been drowned in chemicals or not, you shouldn't be forced to eat this stuff. W/out labels, we don't have a choice which is the whole point of this topic.

Sure you do. Start growing your own crops. Problem solved.
 

SP33Demon

Lifer
Jun 22, 2001
27,928
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Originally posted by: So
Originally posted by: SP33Demon
Originally posted by: Pacemaker
I don't care if science has "proved" it's safe, but I wouldn't mind the option of not using it. The only real way to know for sure is to let it out into the market and study those who use it.
Exactly, this should be about us given a choice to eat GM foods, just like Europeans get. Makes you wonder how much $$ is involved to not be able to get something as small as GM labelling passed. IMO, if we are required to show ingredients, then we should list whether it was GM.

AFAIK, Europeans don't have the option of cheap GM food, even if they want it.
In general, GMO food is much much cheaper to produce than organic. Even with the GMO backlash in Europe, it should still be much cheaper unless the EU has placed a huge tariff on GMO seeds. But yeah, there probably is a smaller selection for GMO food there, since the farmers know they won't make money off it (due to low demand).
 

So

Lifer
Jul 2, 2001
25,923
17
81
Originally posted by: SP33Demon
Originally posted by: So
Originally posted by: SP33Demon
Originally posted by: Pacemaker
I don't care if science has "proved" it's safe, but I wouldn't mind the option of not using it. The only real way to know for sure is to let it out into the market and study those who use it.
Exactly, this should be about us given a choice to eat GM foods, just like Europeans get. Makes you wonder how much $$ is involved to not be able to get something as small as GM labelling passed. IMO, if we are required to show ingredients, then we should list whether it was GM.

AFAIK, Europeans don't have the option of cheap GM food, even if they want it.
In general, GMO food is much much cheaper to produce than organic. Even with the GMO backlash in Europe, it should still be much cheaper unless the EU has placed a huge tariff on GMO seeds. But yeah, there probably is a smaller selection for GMO food there, since the farmers know they won't make money off it (due to low demand).

I was under the impression that it is banned, period. You can't import it, you can't buy it, you can't get it...at any price.
 

Thraxen

Diamond Member
Dec 3, 2001
4,683
1
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Originally posted by: SP33Demon
So because the FDA says corn that's been soaked in RoundUp chemicals is "safe", I should eat it? Aside from the fact that many FDA officials used to work for Monsanto (company of GM RoundUp Ready crops)? Do you really believe the FDA is looking out for your best interests?

So is your issue with GM foods, pesticides, or both?

I personally don't care if they label them or not, so I have no problems with people wanting them labeled as such myself. I'll still buy GM and non-GM foods either way.
 

SP33Demon

Lifer
Jun 22, 2001
27,928
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Originally posted by: So
I was under the impression that it is banned, period. You can't import it, you can't buy it, you can't get it...at any price.
Sure you can. Text

Man, even Austrailia/NZ has labelling:
Text

The US and Canada are the only superpowers in the world who voted against labelling.

 

ElFenix

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Mar 20, 2000
102,402
8,574
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all food is genetically modified. none of it resembles whatsoever that which was originally cultivated by humans millenia ago.



edit: if you really want to avoid bogeyman food, i believe FDA organic is not 'gmo' whatever that term means. of course, it also isn't irradiated to kill bacteria because the enviro-nuts think that the radiation stays on the food.
 

SP33Demon

Lifer
Jun 22, 2001
27,928
143
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Originally posted by: Thraxen
Originally posted by: SP33Demon
So because the FDA says corn that's been soaked in RoundUp chemicals is "safe", I should eat it? Aside from the fact that many FDA officials used to work for Monsanto (company of GM RoundUp Ready crops)? Do you really believe the FDA is looking out for your best interests?

So is your issue with GM foods, pesticides, or both?
More GM, because you're altering DNA which then goes into the human body. Although completely killing every living plant cell in a field with RoundUp, except for a GM resistant seed is not something I want to eat. So excessive levels of pesticide use is also of concern to me.
 

mordantmonkey

Diamond Member
Dec 23, 2004
3,075
5
0
Originally posted by: SP33Demon
Originally posted by: Thraxen
Originally posted by: SP33Demon
So because the FDA says corn that's been soaked in RoundUp chemicals is "safe", I should eat it? Aside from the fact that many FDA officials used to work for Monsanto (company of GM RoundUp Ready crops)? Do you really believe the FDA is looking out for your best interests?

So is your issue with GM foods, pesticides, or both?
More GM, because you're altering DNA which then goes into the human body. Although completely killing every living plant cell in a field with RoundUp, except for a GM resistant seed is not something I want to eat. So excessive levels of pesticide use is also of concern to me.

it's not the DNA that will harm you, it's the possible proteins or protein by products from the DNA that could harm you.
 

SP33Demon

Lifer
Jun 22, 2001
27,928
143
106
Originally posted by: mordantmonkey
Originally posted by: SP33Demon
Originally posted by: Thraxen
Originally posted by: SP33Demon
So because the FDA says corn that's been soaked in RoundUp chemicals is "safe", I should eat it? Aside from the fact that many FDA officials used to work for Monsanto (company of GM RoundUp Ready crops)? Do you really believe the FDA is looking out for your best interests?

So is your issue with GM foods, pesticides, or both?
More GM, because you're altering DNA which then goes into the human body. Although completely killing every living plant cell in a field with RoundUp, except for a GM resistant seed is not something I want to eat. So excessive levels of pesticide use is also of concern to me.

it's not the DNA that will harm you, it's the possible proteins or protein by products from the DNA that could harm you.
Yep, in a nutshell. As a result, there are several types of potential health effects that could result from the insertion of a novel gene into an organism. Health effects of primary concern to safety assessors are production of new allergens, increased toxicity, decreased nutrition, and antibiotic resistance (Bernstein et al., 2003).
Text


 

mugs

Lifer
Apr 29, 2003
48,920
46
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Originally posted by: Descartes
IMO, in most foods in the US, if it doesn't specifically say "No GMOs" then it likely has them. It's that pervasive.

OP, I think this pretty much sums it up. It's like organics - we don't need to label all non-"organic" foods as such, because if it WAS organic it would be labeled to take advantage of people who are willing to pay a premium for organics. I have no doubt that the cheez-its on my desk are not made with organic cheese.

Same goes for GM foods. If the label doesn't say it's NOT GM then it probably is.

So if you're that concerned, only buy labeled non-GM foods.

And I'll enjoy my pizza with a side of Round Up.
 

SP33Demon

Lifer
Jun 22, 2001
27,928
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Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: Descartes
IMO, in most foods in the US, if it doesn't specifically say "No GMOs" then it likely has them. It's that pervasive.

OP, I think this pretty much sums it up. It's like organics - we don't need to label all non-"organic" foods as such, because if it WAS organic it would be labeled to take advantage of people who are willing to pay a premium for organics. I have no doubt that the cheez-its on my desk are not made with organic cheese.

Same goes for GM foods. If the label doesn't say it's NOT GM then it probably is.

So if you're that concerned, only buy labeled non-GM foods.

And I'll enjoy my pizza with a side of Round Up.
Yeah, most likely if it's soy or corn based. Rice, however is still safe. Sucks but there isn't a trader joes or whole foods around. :(

 

Jeff7

Lifer
Jan 4, 2001
41,596
20
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Originally posted by: SP33Demon
Originally posted by: mordantmonkey

it's not the DNA that will harm you, it's the possible proteins or protein by products from the DNA that could harm you.
Yep, in a nutshell. As a result, there are several types of potential health effects that could result from the insertion of a novel gene into an organism. Health effects of primary concern to safety assessors are production of new allergens, increased toxicity, decreased nutrition, and antibiotic resistance (Bernstein et al., 2003).
Text

I have seen that theory that part of the reason that there are so many food allergies so recently is that it may be due to odd compounds in genetically modified foods. If only a small portion of the population is affected, then a potentially toxic substance may still be passed as being totally safe, and thus not warrant any kind of labelling, or at least enough to get the politicians in a huff about it. It has happened before, a number of times, where a "safe" product is widely used before it is discovered that it can be either unhealthy, or outright dangerous. Of note is of course DDT, but on a lesser scale, the new flack over multipurpose contact lens solutions possibly allowing for the growth of fungus.
 

Descartes

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
13,968
2
0
Originally posted by: SP33Demon
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: Descartes
IMO, in most foods in the US, if it doesn't specifically say "No GMOs" then it likely has them. It's that pervasive.

OP, I think this pretty much sums it up. It's like organics - we don't need to label all non-"organic" foods as such, because if it WAS organic it would be labeled to take advantage of people who are willing to pay a premium for organics. I have no doubt that the cheez-its on my desk are not made with organic cheese.

Same goes for GM foods. If the label doesn't say it's NOT GM then it probably is.

So if you're that concerned, only buy labeled non-GM foods.

And I'll enjoy my pizza with a side of Round Up.
Yeah, most likely if it's soy or corn based. Rice, however is still safe. Sucks but there isn't a trader joes or whole foods around. :(

Surely you have farmer's markets near you? Many of the farmers have similar philosophies and agricultural practices of the certified products that you'd find in Whole Foods, etc. for a lot cheaper; plus, you're supporting someone local.
 

mrzed

Senior member
Jan 29, 2001
811
0
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It's not just about provable health effects on the consumer. I prefer organic foods and non-GMO foods because I know that the production of these products has fewer detrimental effects on complex natural systems. These systems support all of us, and they are deteriorating as a result of large-scale monocultures. GMO is a method for agribusiness to reduce the deleterious effects that are endemic to this type of farming, as are most synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

I buy local/organic/non-GMO when possible because I beleive it is the right thing to do. Not because I am concerned about growing breasts from eating it (that's a job for the plastics industry).
 

SP33Demon

Lifer
Jun 22, 2001
27,928
143
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Originally posted by: Descartes
Surely you have farmer's markets near you? Many of the farmers have similar philosophies and agricultural practices of the certified products that you'd find in Whole Foods, etc. for a lot cheaper; plus, you're supporting someone local.
Yeah, there are some local produce stands but they usually disappear in the winter... then I'd have to drive an hour and a half to get to Whole Foods or TJoes.
 

DaShen

Lifer
Dec 1, 2000
10,710
1
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Originally posted by: BD2003
Originally posted by: SP33Demon
The European Union requires companies to label all GM food, how come the U.S. doesn't require this? If we require ingredients to be listed, then we sure as heck should know whether the food was genetically modified or not. I don't want to put that crap into my body, just like I wouldn't want to eat a pizza that had 4g of Trans Fat/serving.

Because for all intents and purposes it doesnt matter? All DNA tastes and breaks down the same.

For the most part.

GM food is tested and retested before being sent to the market, but there is a chance although slight that some GM foods will be altered in a way makes the food bad for you.

"Organic" food is there because it uses less artificial pesticides and it tends to taste better.