Ethics Unit 6 Journal

Introduction
As our knowledge of what we consume has increased, concerns have developed. Larger
corporations dominate the agribusiness sector, which has grown significantly over the years to
provide food sustainability. However, there are many ethical questions this sector must address
for the general public, ranging from ecology, animal rights, and economics to food safety and
long-term sustainability (Byars & Stanberry, 2019). Given that nutrition can effectively treat
nearly all non-communicable diseases in the modern world, the issue of food availability is one
that affects the entire planet. Similar to the widely held belief in my culture that poverty eases
when hunger is eliminated.
A great deal of attention has been paid to the advent of the genetically modified organism
(GMO), which is defined as an artificial gene modified organism (Jimenez & Pulos, 2016) that
includes splicing a gene from one species into another, rather than just food items. Even so, their
main goals are to address issues including food scarcity, crop yield, disease and pest
management, farmer living standards, challenging environmental circumstances, and food
nutrient value. Additionally, studies have shown that genetically modified crops can be
hazardous to humans and the environment, as well as destroying biodiversity.
The argument over labeling genetically modified products is taking on in the USA despite the
fact that most European countries have laws requiring the labeling of such items. This is because
of differing opinions regarding genetically modified crops. While the complexity and cost of
food production make labeling challenging to implement (Jimenez & Pulos, 2016), several
stakeholders have differing arguments for the importance or otherwise of labeling genetically
modified products.
What impact will labeling of GM food products have on producers and developers of GMO
foods?
Though producers and developers of genetically modified foods feel that customers are not
properly educated about the food they are eating at the time of sale, people are becoming more
conscious of what and how they eat. Customers will become irrational and choose to buy more
organic food as a result, based on information that has not been independently verified. By doing
this, manufacturers and developers of genetically modified foods will lose customers to rivals
and go out of business. Labeling is negative for the business of GMO manufacturers and
inventors because it will unnecessarily worry consumers about the safety of GMO products.
Additionally, labeling will raise the price of foods on the market and add to the costs incurred by
innovators and producers of GMO goods, which will have an influence downstream in the food
value chain.
What impact will labeling of GM food products have on research of GMOs?

The agricultural sector has scrutinized GMO product research quite a bit. Before introducing
their items into the market, it was thought that not much time had been spent on study. Increased
funding for research to ascertain the long-term effects of genetically modified crops, a
postponement of product release to farmers, pressure from certain stakeholders, and submission
to regulatory agencies to validate claims are all consequences of labeling.
Furthermore, if more time is dedicated to the study of genetically modified products, any defects
found will prompt a moral struggle over what to report because failing to do so could result in
legal action and the recall of existing products, which would undoubtedly cause a stir among the
anti-GMO community.
What impact will labeling of GM food have on consumers?

According to Jimenez and Pulos (2016), customers have a right to know what they are buying for
consumption. Labeling will assist consumers in making an informed choice when they make a
purchase. Despite the potential for label confusion, consumers who wish to buy GMO-free
products will have no trouble making that choice. Additionally, it might offer customers more
variety on the grocery shelf.
In conclusion, there are a number of concerns regarding GMO products despite the fact that they
were intended to address a specific issue. They could be able to address the issues of food
scarcity, food sustainability, and farmer living standards, but are they carried out in an ethical
manner? Do GMO goods maintain biodiversity and enhance our health? Are GMO products
really safe to eat without worrying that they would eventually harm our organs? In the race to
improve the safety of our food and the sustainability of our environment, research should be
expanded and regulatory agencies should get involved.
References
Byars, S. M., & Stanberry, K. (2019). Business ethics. OpenStax College and Rice University.
Retrieved from: https://opentextbc.ca/businessethicsopenstax/.
Jimenez, G. C., & Pulos, E. (2016). Good Corporation, Bad Corporation: Corporate Social
Responsibility in the Global Economy. Open SUNY Textbooks. Retrieved from:
https://milnepublishing.geneseo.edu/good-corporation-bad-corporation/.

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Introduction

What impact will labeling of GM food products have on research of GMOs?

What impact will labeling of GM food have on consumers?

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