Genetically modified organisms or GMOs have created a large divide among consumers with some being okay with consuming GMOs while others are actively trying to get them off market shelves. One of the leading food manufacturers, Campbell's, has taken a stand saying that it is mandatory for all food manufacturers to place special GMO labels on their products.
Campbell's says companies should have special labels on their products to tell consumers that they have GMOs in them. "[We] will withdraw [our] support from various groups and coalitions opposing such labeling," they say. This is a big move against those who plan to make these types of labels only voluntary.
Three-fourths of all the products of Campbell's contain genetically modified organisms. The manufacturer of Pepperidge Farm cookies and Spaghetti sauce states that it opposes voluntary labeling because it can cause mass confusion among consumers.
Some states have moved towards mandatory labelling. According to reports from NBC, "Vermont passed legislation requiring food makers to disclose when certain products contain genetically modified ingredients by July." However, public health lawyer Michele Simon believes that industry groups will preempt related efforts to be put into legislation. "They're going for as little as they can," Simon says.
Campbell's says it will work on its own to disclose which products currently in the market contain GMOs if mandatory labeling is not put into legislation within a reasonable amount of time. This could be the outcome as reports say that even the FDA says that there is no need for mandatory GMO labels.
75 to 80 percent of all foods available today contain some form of GMO ingredient. The FDA has come out and said that these genetically modified ingredients are completely safe. Although GMO labels are yet to gain traction, a lot of manufacturers have began placing "non-GMO" labels on their products in the hopes that they can attract more consumers.
