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This post is part of the No GMO Challenge blog carnival.

I’m so relieved. Here, all this time I thought I wanted to know which foods my family ate were genetically modified. I don’t know, something about splicing genes from one species (or kingdom) to another just kind of sent a warning shiver up my spine.

But now that I’ve read this article from Monsanto, I feel so much better! I didn’t really want to know, because…um, they say so, and that makes everything okay. Whew, what a relief.

What’s the Problem with Labeling Genetically-Modified (GM/GMO) Foods?

Since genetically-modified (GM/GMO) crops came onto the market, there’s been a lot of debate about whether foods containing ingredients from GM crops should be labeled. Some people believe it’s a right-to-know issue, and all products containing ingredients from GM crops should be labeled as such. Others believe that since there’s no difference between GM and non-GM ingredients, labeling shouldn’t be required.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees food labeling laws in the United States. The FDA has determined that where genetically-modified crops don’t differ from non-GM crops, that products containing them don’t have to be labeled. FDA does require the product to be labeled if the ingredient is a potential allergen, or somehow changes the nutritional properties of the food. To date, no approved biotech crop is either an allergen, or has any significant nutritional differences from non-GM counterparts.

First, any protein-containing food is a potential allergen. While it is true that most allergies are brought on by a handful of certain foods, a person can become allergic to anything with a protein molecule in it at any point in their lives. It is not yet known if combining proteins from one source into another item where that protein is usually not found can worsen or bring on an allergic reaction. Also, note the word “significant.” If the moon should be hit with a giant asteroid and change one of the “eyes” on its “face” to a wink, it wouldn’t be particularly significant to my life. I imagine there are those on our planet who would attach great significance to such an event. Significance, therefore, is in the belly of the consumer.

Some might ask what the harm would be in requiring the labeling of products. U.S. labeling laws are based on health and safety. Requiring labeling for ingredients that don’t pose a health issue would undermine both our labeling laws and consumer confidence. Ensuring that such labeling is accurate would also put a huge burden on regulatory agencies.

The assumption here is that genetically modified ingredients don’t pose a health issue. Because there is a dearth of honest research (specifically, research not paid for by the corporation seeking the ringing “all clear” approval of positive results) we can’t be certain that there is not a health issue. Because the way our bodies interact with food varies daily, seasonally, and with the state of our individual health, it isn’t the labeling that would be burdensome, it would be the testing. Listing ingredients on labels was once considered “burdensome” as well, and food manufacturers lobbied hard to try to prevent it. Consumers won that fight, and we can win this one, too.

A better question might be: What would be the benefits of labeling products containing GM ingredients? Individuals who make a personal decision not to consume food containing GM ingredients can easily avoid such products. In the U.S., they can purchase products that are certified as organic under the National Organic Program. They can also buy products which companies have voluntarily labeled as not containing GM ingredients. The law allows for voluntary labeling so long as the information is accurate, truthful and avoids misleading consumers about the food. Monsanto supports both options.

And here comes the Jedi mind trick. You don’t need to see that carrot’s identification. These aren’t the GMOs you’re looking for. Go on about your shopping. Move along. Or, in this case, “By not labeling, we can force those “crazy foodies” into their health food stores and out of the general marketplace. If you want to make sure you aren’t eating GMOs, just shop at your boutique shop, or carry a list in your pocket of companies that have spurned us. You’ll see how few choices you have then, mwahhahhh!”

The BEST question is, if you have nothing to hide, why not full disclosure? And you already know the answer: because if Americans knew how pervasive the GMO issue is, and what is being spliced where, there would be a massive revolt. Hell hath no fury like a consumer educated, Monsanto, and I think you know that.

Mandatory labeling of food containing GM ingredients might seem like a no-brainer. However, once you consider the facts, it becomes clear there is no sense in mandatory GMO labeling.

Oh, well that makes everything different. If I comply, then I have a brain and sense. Oh. Never mind.