Transparency in GMO Labeling: A Historical Perspective

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In 1935, Russian scientist Andrei Nikolaevitch Belozersky isolated DNA for the first time in human history. Naturally, this opened up a broad range of possibilities that scientists were eager to explore. Consequently, one of the most promising, albeit controversial, products emerged in 1994, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed for the sale and consumption of the Flavr Savr tomato, the first GMO. Since then, GMOs have received mixed reviews, and public sentiment is usually focused on individual studies magnified by the media. In response to large scale disagreement, the United Nations acting in coordination with the World Trade Organization, introduced the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in 2003. In regard to GMOs, the protocol calls for producers of GMOs to indicate the use of said GMO and that the product is safe for consumption. However, the current model for transparency remains a bit opaque. The protocol solely requires labeling of GMO crops, ignoring the large number of goods produced using GMOs. …show more content…

Reasons for the ban include the following, destruction of rainforest would be required to find suitable land for large scale farming, Peru is home to thousands of unique products that would be devastated by GMO introduction, and, lastly, thousands of small-scale farmers would be displaced by monopolistic GMO producers. Furthermore, following the ban, organic product exports have grown by more than 50% per annum, illustrating the success of the embargo on the emerging economy. Yet, taking this into account, the reasons for Peru banning GMOs are specific to the nation, and Peru is not opposed to expanding and reforming policy regarding GMOs. Moreover, Peru looks to increase transparency, regulation, and efficiency of laws involving genetically modified

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