Genetically Modified Foods Should Be Labeled
Meta Description: The world is now witnessing several genetically modified foods on the market. Is it important for the consumers to know about these? This article contains information on why we need to label genetically manufactured foods.
With the advent of modern technology and revolutionary advancements over time, humans have taken a step closer to implementing technology in every possible way. From our devices to our homes and now our food, the infusion of technology is prevalent everywhere today. Like two sides of the coin, there have been two sides on opinions about using modern science in creating genetically modified food.
What is Genetically Modified Food?
To begin with, let us first understand what genetically modified food refers to. In simple words, this kind of food is created by modifying the DNA of the food in a manner different from its natural occurrence. For example, a different gene from a different food or organism could be brought and infused into another food item, thus altering the fundamental structure, the DNA, and modifying it. This is also called by different names, such as gene technology, modern biotechnology, genetic engineering, or recombinant DNA technology. At present, genetically modified foods in the market are mostly from plants. However, it is predicted that genetic modification in food derived from microorganisms or animals will soon be available.
The Question
The exposure to different kinds of food items brings along a few questions regarding the prevalent practices in the food industry. One of the most crucial questions about genetically modified food is- should genetically modified foods be labelled?
The Answer
The answer lies in the lines of our constitution, which grants important rights to its citizens. Under Article 19 (1) (a) of the Indian Constitution, all Indians have the right to be Informed. Under this right, they are granted the right to know. This brings us to our question and gives us the answer that genetically modified foods should be labelled because a consumer who is buying the product beholds the right to know.
Consumer Protection Act (COPRA) 1986
Keeping the safety of consumers in mind, in 1986, the Parliament passed a very crucial act called the Consumer Protection Act (COPRA), which is also extremely important to understand for all consumers and sellers who are present in the market. The Consumer Protection Act has six rights under it. These rights are relevant to all products sold in the market, including food items. According to the act, every consumer is entitled to the right to know. This includes vital and relevant information such as date of manufacture, ingredients used, presence of any harmful substance, expiry date when to use the product, approved food standards, and more. Similarly, in the case of genetically modified foods, the sellers need to label the product, mention that the food item has been genetically modified using a certain kind of technology and mention whether it is safe to consume or not. In case the kind of technology used can have adverse effects on the consumer, the marketer or seller must mention the same since the consumer's safety is at risk.
This brings us to another right under the Consumer Protection Act called the right to safety. As per this, every consumer beholds the right to keep themselves safe from harmful products that could be sold in the market. Though the technology used in genetic engineering of food and the modification of DNA has been mastered over the years, the use of an artificial process (modification) could have unfavourable consequences. Considering the customer's safety, marketers need to label the product and mention the same.
Conclusion
All consumers have the right to know what is in their food, how it has been manufactured, and the presence of any harmful substance that could lead to allergies or other consequences. In the case of genetically modified food, since modern technology and new practices are gaining momentum, the consumer deserves to know what food they are putting in their mouth and what it can do to their body. Since the route taken is unnatural and artificial, making it different from the natural production of food items, labelling such products clearly and mentioning all crucial details is extremely important. Thus, genetically modified food must be labelled, making the market a safe space for all consumers.
FAQs
1. Are all genetically modified foods harmful to the body?
No, genetically modified foods are not necessarily harmful to the body.
2. What are some common genetically modified foods?
In everyday life, we can see corn, soybean, vegetables such as potatoes, and fruits like papaya, among other food items that could be genetically modified.
3. What could be some health risks associated with such food?
A few concerns could arise, like toxicity, allergic reactions, and gradual loss of nutrition.
4. Can milk be genetically modified?
Yes, apart from the naturally generated milk, the milk available in markets could be a genetically modified item.
5. What does GMO stand for?
Genetically modified organism.
