While it is admirable that three federal agencies are collaborating on a public information campaign regarding GMOs, this initiative comes at least a decade too late. Although GMOs remain prevalent in U.S. food products, the controversies surrounding them have diminished, and they are increasingly being introduced to the American public under a different name. The first genetically modified organisms were developed in the 1990s, with the Rainbow papaya created in the early ’90s to resist the Papaya Ring Spot Virus, a disease that posed a severe threat to Hawaii’s papaya trees. Similarly, the Flavr Savr tomato was introduced in 1994 to maintain freshness for a longer duration.
Since then, various genetically modified crops have been engineered for multiple purposes. Many of these crops have been altered in laboratories to resist diseases, deter pests, endure pesticide applications, thrive under challenging weather conditions, or enhance overall yields. Numerous scientists argue that GMO crops are just as nutritious as their traditional counterparts.
The prevalence of GMO crops in the U.S. is significant. USDA statistics indicate that GMOs dominate many staple crops—94% of soybeans, 83% of corn, and approximately 95% of sugar beets in the U.S. utilize this technology. The debate over the appropriateness of GMOs in food peaked in the last decade as activists protested their widespread use, asserting that consumers have a right to know if their food contains genetically modified ingredients. This led to the passage of labeling laws in states like Vermont, Maine, and Connecticut, culminating in a federal labeling law enacted in 2016 that superseded state regulations and established a uniform national standard.
Given the heightened attention to GMO crops and legislative activities around a decade ago, it would have been an opportune moment for the federal government to launch this educational initiative. However, the $3 million allocated for this campaign was not appropriated until 2017. Currently, manufacturers are allowed to begin labeling their products as GMO, though the new federal law does not mandate such labeling until 2022. The term “bioengineered” is now used to describe modified ingredients, and many highly processed foods that may originate from GMO crops are not required to bear this label. The government-created websites provide a brief overview of the “bioengineered” terminology but predominantly refer to crops using the GMO acronym.
Despite many consumers being largely uninformed about GMOs while expressing strong opposition to them, the debate appears to have lessened in intensity. While consumers may notice a “bioengineered” label on their food, its effect on purchasing decisions remains uncertain. Currently, very few products carry these labels, typically those from companies that are transparent about their use of GMOs, such as the Impossible Burger.
During last year’s Institute of Food Technologists conference, Kathy Musa-Veloso from Intertek shared several studies on GMO-labeled foods. One study revealed that two-thirds of consumers failed to notice a simulated GMO label, and among those who did, more than half were discouraged from purchasing the product due to the label. Musa-Veloso informed attendees that GMOs “are often linked with consumer fear and distrust.” A comprehensive education on GMOs could potentially alleviate these concerns and even encourage some consumers to seek out GMO products in the future. However, it is improbable that these educational lessons will seamlessly translate to an understanding of “bioengineered” foods. Given that the labeling law could alter public terminology on the matter, there may come a time when the acronym “GMO” is primarily associated with the Non-GMO Project Verified seal.
In summary, while the introduction of a public information campaign about GMOs is a positive step, it arrives late, and the impact of new labeling terms, such as “bioengineered,” on consumer behavior remains to be seen. As consumers continue to navigate these changes, tools like the t ccm tablet could play a vital role in disseminating clear and accurate information about GMOs and their benefits.