The Proposed GMO Labeling Law: Good or Bad?

Congressman Mike Pompeo (R-KS) is gearing up to reintroduce his beloved “Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act.

Doesn’t the name make you feel all warm and squishy inside?

At first glance, it seems like a good thing. It would require companies that want to introduce a GMO food into the market to notify the FDA and public and provide evidence of safety.

But then, it takes a turn.

The bill would also give FDA the authority to decide whether GMO labelling is required, and the FDA’s current stance is that labelling should be voluntary.

It reminds me of that old joke: “We’re from the government and we’re here to help.”

New, modern twist:

“We’re from the FDA and we’re here to give you safe and accurate food labels. And we’re in charge of what determines a food label ‘safe’ and ‘accurate.’ Oh, and the former vice president for public policy of Monsanto now works as deputy commissioner here. But we’re not corrupt, and there’s no revolving door here… no, sirree…”

And to make matters worse, this bill would prohibit states from making their own labelling laws for GMO foods.

Heaping piles of trash like this potential law brings light on a bigger issue: How should food labels on GMOs be handled?

I’ll let Jasmine, our Quality Assurance expert, take the floor, to give her insights:

Jasmine LeMaster:

Personally, I think if a food product contains a genetically modified ingredient, it should be required to be put on the label.

However, the issue is that the potential for GMO contamination is real, meaning that a field of non-GM wheat could easily become contaminated with GM wheat grown in the area if the wind blows some seeds into that field.

So say you’re a company and you think you’re using non-GM wheat, so you don’t put a GMO statement on your label. You then risk some greedy lawyer or consumer testing your product, finding GMO wheat and starting a class action lawsuit against you for mislabeling your product.

The only way to ensure a product is GMO-free and not require a statement on the label is through testing. And that can be financially impossible for small businesses.

I don’t have a good solution, but for right now, the best way I know to avoid GMOs is to buy Non-GMO Project-verified foods.

Nate, what do you think?

Nate Rifkin:

And now I’ll steal the spotlight right back…

Required GMO labelling.

It makes so much sense… right?

That’s exactly how the government grows. One of the tricks they bust out of their big, dirty bag is the ole “common sense” approach and looking out for our safety. GMOs. Beverage sizes. Alcohol. Marijuana. Health care. Government wraps around industry like a boa constrictor, all the while assuring us it’s for our own good.

Capt. Jean-Luc Picard said it best when the Borg invaded his ship: “I will not sacrifice the Enterprise. We’ve made too many compromises already, too many retreats. They invade our space, and we fall back. They assimilate entire worlds, and we fall back. Not again. The line must be drawn here! This far, no further!”

The creepy consequences of a food supply drenched in GMOs is the exact reason why the feds should butt out of it. Government has a multi-thousand-year track record of making things much, much worse.

But what about the danger of GMOs? If they aren’t required to be listed on the label, how will we know they’re present?

While putting the burden on organic and non-GMO producers to label their products sounds unfair, it’s actually an opportunity for non-GMO producers to gain market advantage and ultimately win.

Think about it:

If you’re in a supermarket and see 10 products on the shelf and only one is labelled “non-GMO”… which one are you going to buy? If you’re like the affluent, educated, health-minded market segment in this country, you’ll spend your money on the non-GMO product.

The maker will reap the profits, and GMO sellers will suffer.

Testing can be handled by third-party companies that specialize in it. More than one in operation will ensure prices for the service are driven down.

That’s how we beat GMO. The market will decide.

…And finally, we’d like to put the spotlight on you.

What do you think should be done? How should GMOs be treated on labels? Who should get the final decision? Email us and share: livingwelldaily@lfb.org

Regards,

Nate Rifkin

Nate Rifkin

Written By Nate Rifkin

Nate Rifkin is an obsessed health and mind-power researcher and author. To hear more from Nate, sign up to receive Living Well Daily for free, here.

View More Free Articles

Mailbag: Science-Backed Strategies Target Belly Fat

“What is an effective strategy for gradually eliminating (white) belly fat?” —Slimming Down Hi Slimming, White fat is the most common fat in the body, and its primary purpose is to store energy. But belly fat isn’t just about appearances. Having too much of it is associated with health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and...

Read This

Just 35 Minutes Could SAVE Your Brain

For years, I’ve told you exercise is non-negotiable for healthy aging. As you age you must move more to protect your body and brain. Now, groundbreaking new research confirms what I’ve been saying all along. Exercise can slash your dementia risk—but with a surprising twist that eliminates your last excuse for not moving more. Dementia...

Read This

The One Supplement I'll Never Stop Taking

Omega-3s are one of the few supplements I’ve continued to take ever since I graduated from medical school. And now, exciting new research confirms what I’ve suspected all along… This remarkable fatty acid doesn’t only support heart and brain health—it could, quite literally, slow down the aging process itself. Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fats your body...

Read This

Your Morning Tea Pulls DOUBLE DUTY as a Heavy Metal Detox

You don’t need another reason to drink tea, do you? You already know tea helps with everything from boosting heart health and metabolism to reducing stress. It’s packed with antioxidants, calms inflammation, and gives you a gentler caffeine boost than coffee. But now researchers have discovered yet another benefit of your daily drink—and this one...

Read This

Fiery Spice Cools Painful IBD Inflammation

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract that causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. The two most common forms of IBD are Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s can cause inflammation anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulceration in the large intestine...

Read This

Ditch the Coffee Dehydration Myth and Enjoy Java Again

I can’t imagine starting my day without a delicious steaming cup of hot coffee. If you’re also a coffee fan, I bet you’ve been treated to well-meaning warnings by the non-Java drinkers… “Coffee is so dehydrating!” “It’s basically stealing water from your body!” “You need to drink extra water to make up for it!” Even...

Read This

Research Reveals Loneliness is “Poisoning” Your Blood

We humans are social creatures. We thrive on connection, communication, and shared experiences—which help shape our identities and foster a sense of belonging. Yet, loneliness and social isolation are alarmingly common in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world. The World Health Organization (WHO) says about 25 percent of older people experience social isolation. But new...

Read This

Mailbag: Ease Invisible Pain and Fatigue NATURALLY

“Why isn’t there more research on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome? It’s mainly a woman’s condition and too many health professionals tell us “It’s all in your head,” or words to that effect.”   —Fatigued and Fuming Hi Fuming, Your frustration over the lack of research and dismissive attitudes when it comes to fibromyalgia and...

Read This

Junk Food DOUBLES Risk of Embarrassing Leaks

Ladies, if you need another reason to think twice before hitting the drive-thru, I have one for you. A new study found that a fast-food habit can contribute to a problem most women would rather not talk about—urinary incontinence. That’s right, those embarrassing “oops” moments when you laugh, cough, or exercise could be directly linked...

Read This

Common Fungus Beats the Flu at Its Own Game

Big Pharma pushes annual flu shots like your life depends on it. What’s more, they insist expensive antivirals are your only defense against influenza. But Mother Nature is hiding a more effective solution right under our noses—or rather, under forest floors and in grocery store produce sections. There’s growing evidence that the humble mushroom is...

Read This