GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are a controversial topic. Should manufacturers be required to disclose GMOs on labels? And should we be eating genetically engineered food at all? So far, three states (Connecticut, Maine, and Vermont) have passed laws that require some sort of labeling for GMOs. More than a dozen other states have proposed similar legislation. Abroad, 64 countries have policies that require the labeling of GMO foods. In the United States over 70% of food found in our supermarkets contain GMOs.
Food Journalist Corby Kummer (@CKummer) and Oleana Chef and Owner, Ana Sortun (@Anasortun) joined Jim on Monday night to discuss GMOs. Kummer, one of America's most influential food writers, is for labeling GMOs on food products. Sortun said that "transparency is good."
They discussed the difference in genetically modified foods when it occurs in nature versus when an outside ingredient is added to a food. Kummer said that many GMOs are trying to remove pesticides from foods, or add vitamins to fruits or rice. He laughed at people's misunderstanding about GMOs.
Sortun said that she is not an expert on genetically modified food, but she "cares a lot" about the ingredients she is using. To her knowledge, she doesn't purchase any genetically modified foods. Kummer said that he is pro labeling because he hopes that consumers will realize how unavoidable these things are in our food. "Putting it on the label to say this may it contain genetically engineered food or material ... I think is going to show, most people are not going to bother to buy around it."
"Food is a basic human right," said Sortun. "They should be able to get some information on their food. And I don't think we've been transparent enough."
