Why oppose labeling GM foods?

[Angela Adams]

Here's my question (i haven't read all the threads here, so if this has been discussed, could someone direct me to the discussion?):

seems like studies have indicated that GM foods/crops can have harmful effects on the rodents, etc. who serve as the testers. but the companies experimenting with GM seeds/crops must believe that the modification imparts some benefit to the product - perhaps disease resistance. So, if the GM products are supposed to be better than non-GM products, then why would the companies doing the lab tweaking not want to advertise their nature (GM) and the benefit (disease resistance, etc.)? ...similar to the way companies advertise hybrid tomatoes for their improved disease resistance/flavor.

however, if GM seeds/crops have negative impacts on the creatures who ingest them, and if GM is so controversial that the companies don't even want to acknowledge this on a product label for fear of harming profitability, then why do the companies continue to invest in this enterprise? :confused:

sorry, i guess that's two questions.... angela

[turnip]

As for question no. 1, I guess they want to promote the idea to growers because that's their market. But they want to be secretive to consumers because polls show that consumers would avoid the stuff. Question no. 2? There are advantages and disadvantages to GMO, and the disadvantages (though extremely serious) are mostly either subtle or long term. We all know that big corporations have no interest in the long term; they are only concerned with maximizing profits for the present and near future. I think Monsanto and friends want to pollute the world with GMO's so the furor will die down when it's too late to do anything about it.

[Gardenurse]

I think Turnip addressed the questions well, and it does seem that everything corporate revolves around money. These links may not directly address your questions, but the "true food" site tells you which company products use genetically engineered ingredients and which ones don't.
http://www.truefoodnow.org/shoppersguide/guide_printable.html#condiments

The second site is for "truth in labeling" on GM produce, and the first FAQ is Angela's question exactly. The site's answer to "Why don't companies want you to know if food has been genetically engineered?" is that the public would question whether food safety has been tested on humans. It appears from this website that the US and Canada are the test group. They also say an estimated 70% of what is in the grocery store is GM.
http://www.thecampaign.org/

[mrtomatoexpres]

hi tomatoxpres is there a way to find out who voted the bill down were i live in ny

[SunflowerMeg]

Off topic, somewhat. So, if the 70% is because of soy and corn oil (as the article indicates), then it would seem smart for us to stay away from products containing soybean or corn oil. Stay on the perimeter of the store and stay away from soy anything (except fermented) and you can cut that 70% to what? All those kinds of oils are horrible anyhow, so use your virgin olive oil and virgin coconut oil and God help those who don't bother to educate themselves. Sorry!!! My soapbox.

[mrtomatoexpres]

hi anybody watch linktv and freespeechtv they have a lot about gmo. you will learn how many of bush 1,2 and clintons staff worked for monsanto. dishtv has both ch. :eek: