TASK 2

Since hundreds of billions of dollars a year is at stake in the biotech industry the industry has involve on a massive lobbying and PR campaign which includes strategies to immediately attempt to shame any conflict to their products. Because of their enormous political power they have thus far been able to pressure the FDA so that no labeling of genetic engineering products is currently required under federal law.Despite valid scientific, ethical, and religious concerns, it is unlikely that federal labeling regulations will be introduced in the near future. Environmental activists, religious organizations, public interest groups, professional associations and other scientists and government officials have all raised concerns about GM foods, and criticized them for pursuing profit without concern for potential hazards and the government for failing to exercise adequate regulatory oversight.Lack of labeling of genetically engineered foods shows a blatant disregard for the rights of citizens in a free society. The overwhelming number of people naturally want to know what is in the food they are buying. Labeling for all kinds of ingredients is already required. In many cases the need for labeling of certain kinds of ingredients is not as urgent as for labeling of genetically engineered foods. Free choice in the food we buy is dependent on information on the content of the food. You cannot identify genetically engineered food just by looking at it. Without labeling citizens are denied what should be their fundamental right. Labeling genetically engineered foods in no way restricts the rights of those people who do decide to purchase and consume them.

"Should there be government regulations requiring genetically engineered foods to be labeled?"