Written by Steve Savage

When asked, “Do you want foods that contain GMOs to be labeled?” most US consumers say, “Yes.”  To those unfamiliar with the food system, this sounds like a simple request.  The reality is that GMO labeling would be very complicated because it involves “negative identity preservation in low value, commodity channels.” (I’ll unpack that terminology below.)  The best precedent for what that would mean is what has happened with certified Organic grains and grain-based ingredients.  Over time, the Organic industry has shifted towards more and more off-shore sourcing of such foods – particularly from places like China.  Many of the same groups promoting GMO labeling have been also been concerned about the integrity of imported “Organic” foods.  The irony is that if the GMO labeling campaign is successful, it is very likely that the “Non-GMO” segment will follow the same “China Scenario*,” and its associated risks. Continue reading “GMO Labeling And “The China Scenario”” →