Genetically Modified Statutes: the Commercialization of GMOs in America

Date

2017-05

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Florida Southern College

Abstract

In a world of modern commercialism and proliferation of various branding techniques, agriculture often is overlooked in life’s grand scheme. Often American assumptions regarding products and the actual informative labeling of said goods vary greatly. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), though highly controversial, will soon be limited by Federal Department of Agriculture guidelines regarding labeling. As a country, the US has no concise guidelines for labeling GMOs. This study questions whether this is in conflict with the consumer’s best interest, and if the American public believes they hold the right to know the processes involved in food production just as much as a food’s calorie content. In this study, 100 participants were asked to complete an anonymous online polling survey composed of seven questions to gauge interest in GMOs, while a second, separate focus group of 47 participants answered qualitative questions in a group-discussion format. The study found there is currently a lapse between informing food labels and consumer awareness, and, specifically, that the majority of consumers believe they hold the right to know how their food was manufactured. The study also found that GMOs are not of major concern to most of the participants, and they are less crucial to buying habits than price and conveniency of products.

Description

Honors Thesis Spring 2017

Keywords

Genetically modified organisms, GMOs, Genetically modified statutes, Food labels, Consumer awareness

Citation

DOI

Collections