Opponents of GMO labeling continue to circle back to a couple of core arguments. The first is that GMOs are safe. In 40 years, no research has proven otherwise. The second is that the other side has effectively executed a smear campaign against GMOs. They maintain that consumers have a very negative perception of the term “GMO” based on adverse publicity—not on credible knowledge.
Considering the recent Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) announcement that it was to begin glyphosate (the main ingredient in Roundup) residue testing in 2016, it’s no surprise that consumers lack knowledge. The industry lacks knowledge.
In its press release, the FDA disclosed that the agency—along with the USDA—has not previously had the resources to test for the residue. This is troubling considering the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—that has stood by the safety of Roundup for 40 years—looks to the FDA and USDA for guidance in determining what to test and where to set tolerance levels.
If this is how the world’s most widely used pesticide is being dealt with, it could be quite some time before the other concerns surrounding “unknowns” with GMO/GE foods move front and center. In the meantime, consumers’ cynicism over spin—coming from both sides—will continue to grow.
The inconvenient truth is that “assumed safe until proven otherwise” is not quite the same as “proven safe.” Lack of disclosure on the frequency and type of testing that has been conducted, on the special interest support of testing, and on the knowledge gaps that exist surrounding the safety of GMOs is at the heart of the GMO perception problem. Consumers want transparency.
According to a recent report by The Hartman Group, fear of the unknown is the major driver of GMO avoidance. Consumers are concerned over the lack of transparent communications and lack of transparency around sourcing. They want to learn more about GMOs, common GMO crops and manufacturers’ production practices. As the report mentions, without this knowledge, many consumers are finding it difficult to even trust the “non-GMO” certification seal.
The Hartman Group notes that food manufacturers and producers are falling behind in shaping the GMO conversation, while retailers and media lead the way. There’s a lot to be said for adopting a market-driven strategy. And what consumers want more than anything is transparency.