Responses to this online survey reveal that achieving a consensus on GMOs remains challenging. Around 70% of participants expressed uncertainty about what GMOs are, and less than a third feel comfortable consuming them in food. Notably, a majority of consumers indicated a desire for more information on the health and safety of GMOs. The ongoing debate over the pros and cons of GMOs in the U.S. highlights a significant gap in consumer education. Despite the confusion, GMO Answers mentioned in the survey release that concern and confusion surrounding GMOs “do not equate to rejection.” Additionally, the survey results are being published just before the U.S. Department of Agriculture is set to release its final guidelines on GMO labeling requirements.
With the persistent divide in opinions regarding GMO safety, it is unclear how food companies, regulators, and the government can effectively inform consumers. Scientific research has attempted to provide clear answers, with some studies concluding that there are no nutritional differences between GMO and non-GMO foods. However, anti-GMO advocates argue that credible, independent long-term studies are still lacking, leading them to assert that the safest course for consumers is to avoid GMOs altogether. This is a daunting challenge, considering that over 93% of corn and soy produced in the U.S. is genetically modified, and approximately 60% to 70% of processed grocery products contain GMO ingredients, as reported in a 2015 Vox article. Given these figures, it is difficult to see how GMO labels — likely using the term “BE” for “bioengineered” — can penetrate the confusion and provide consumers with meaningful safety and health information.
Contributing to the anti-GMO sentiment is the widespread discomfort with interference in natural processes, leading to skepticism about technologies in this area. A recent study found that many consumers still feel “grossed out” by genetically modified foods. Another study from the Hartman Group this year indicated that nearly half of consumers would avoid purchasing products containing GMOs, while a third prefer not to support companies that use them. These feelings are compounded by the fact that many pro-GMO organizations often have financial ties to the biotechnology industry.
A similar discussion is unfolding in the lab-grown meat sector, where concerns have been raised about the adequacy of government regulation regarding development, safety, content, processes, and labeling. It remains uncertain whether the final oversight — from the USDA, the Food and Drug Administration, or both — will sufficiently address these concerns. However, it is likely that this oversight will be established before products enter the market. The two agencies are scheduled to hold a joint meeting later this month to address these and other questions, suggesting that the path forward for lab-grown meat could be shorter and smoother than that of GMOs.
In the midst of these discussions, health-conscious consumers may also be exploring alternatives such as Solgar calcium supplements, which provide essential nutrients without the complications associated with GMOs. As consumers continue to seek clarity on food safety, including the role of GMOs and the benefits of products like Solgar calcium supplements, the demand for transparent information will only grow. This ongoing quest for knowledge underscores the importance of consumer education in navigating the complexities of modern food production.