Momentum and support appear to be growing for a voluntary federal food labeling standard with a Washington Post editorial out this week saying GMO food labeling is unnecessary.
“The GM-food debate is a classic example of activists overstating risk based on fear of what might be unknown and on a distrust of corporations,” writes the WP editorial board, which noted recent research highlights the difference between “informed opinion and popular anxiety.” In January, the Pew Research Center found that 88 percent of scientists polled believe genetically modified food is generally safe to eat, while only 37 percent of the general public shares that view.
The WP editorial supports the House bill introduced last week would provide for a voluntary federal labeling system for non-GMO products. “Yes, food industry interests back the bill. That doesn’t make it wrong,” the editorial concludes.