How much would GMO labeling really cost consumers?

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The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis.

How much money does it cost to tell consumers the truth?

In the current battle over whether or not foods made with genetically modified ingredients must be labeled, the answer to that question is not easy to come by. Supporters of GMO labeling say the costs associated with implementing labeling will be nearly nonexistent — possibly $2.30 a person per year . . . But opponents of labeling say the costs could be much higher; so high that they could be crippling to some families.

A Feb 21 report funded by the Corn Refiners Association, said the cost could be as steep as $1,050 per U.S. family, or up to $82 billion annually. . . .

. . . .

Just how costly GMO labeling really might be. . . is likely to be part of the discussion on [February 25] when the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry takes up the bill introduced last week by Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) that would block any state from implementing mandatory GMO labeling.

. . . .

Those opposed to labeling. . . . predict that many consumers might turn away from foods made with GMOs if they are labeled, and that many companies would follow suit.

It’s that final fear that drives some of the cost modeling in the Corn Refiners report. Dunham states as much: “This law would encourage most national food manufacturing companies to either relabel their products, or most likely reformulate products from using GMO ingredients to non-GMO ingredients. If manufacturers shift to non-GMO ingredients, these costs would be substantial, and, will inevitably be passed on to consumers. . . .”

. . . .

As the debate rages, it is imperative that lawmakers seek out the truth about the costs and consequences of GMO food labeling.

Read full, original post: GMO Labeling — Hard to Find Truth in Cost to Consumers?

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