This substance may have an unknown but essential quality, such as natural cancer-inhibiting abilities. Consumers rely on physical characteristics, like color and firmness of fruits and vegetables, to indicate freshness, nutritional quality and flavor. A luscious-looking, bright red tomato could be several weeks old and of little nutritional value, but we won't know. With engineered traits we can't accurately judge the quality of the produce we buy. Infringement of religious freedom.
Many individuals hold religious beliefs that include dietary restrictions.
Many believe that transpecies genetic engineering violates the natural reproductive boundaries set in place by God. Others find the patenting of life forms blasphemous. Without product labels, these consumers will not be able to avoid foods that conflict with their religious and spiritual orientations.