The government does not have proper mechanisms in place to regulate finished products that contain GMOs. This puts consumers in a precarious position, because they are unable to judge whether certain products are harmful. They want the companies to label their products to explain how they were produced and whether they pose any potential health or environment risks. While various debates are going on about the risks of GMOs and their scientific efficacy, our view is that labelling lies at the heart of the matter. Labelling is an assertion of the consumers' right to know what they are purchasing so they can make an informed decision.
Producers resist labelling because it increases the cost of production.
The US regulatory authorities, for instance, argue that there is no need to distinguish between GMO-based products and other products if they meet similar health and other standards. Labelling also represents a culture of resistance against big companies and governments that are pushing GMOs as the new hope of the 21st century without adequately exploring alternatives. And then there is the feeling that the motivation behind the sale of GMOs is pure profit. Companies do want a quick and legitimate return, but this does not mean they should not listen to lobby groups and consumers, and try to understand their perceptions and fears. Generally, proponents of GMOs tend to view anti-GMO groups as ignorant and irrational.