Debate the need for labels on food produced using biotechnology. Make a display of products produced using biotechnology to provide participants an opportunity to study food labels. Reasons for asking for such special labeling include the following. Some consumers believe they have a right to know if genetic engineering was used in developing the plants or animals.
Some food scientists believe such labels are needed to notify consumers of potential allergens.
Regulatory Agency Concerns Food label claims must be both true and not misleading. Because labels are powerful ways to inform, persuade, frighten or misinform consumers, federal and state agencies closely regulate many aspects of labels. These agencies have the following concerns when deciding whether to place special labeling requirements on food from genetically modified plants or animals. Just the appearance of a special label gives the impression that these foods carry risk significantly greater than the risk of other foods. In many cases, there are no tests a regulator can use to detect whether genetic engineering has been used at some stage of food processing.