Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a genetically engineered (GE) organism?

A. A genetically engineered organism is any living organism whose genetic composition has been altered by adding DNA from another species. There are several methods to accomplish the alternation of an organism’s DNA , but the end result is that it contains new DNA and exhibits a new trait that it could not have acquired naturally via evolution.

Q. Which plants have been genetically engineered?

A. Corn, soybeans, and canola are the more familiar crops that have been actively planted and are available to consumers. Other products, including wheat and many types of fruit, have been developed or are in the testing phase. Scientists have also begun genetically engineering various aquatic species, including salmon, and plants have been altered to include pharmaceutical products.

Q. What is the concern over the use of GE organisms?

A. The main concern over the use of GE organisms is whether or not they are safe. Genetic contamination of the natural environment has not been significantly studied, and could prove to be ecologically devastating. Other concerns include the safety regulations during scientific trials, and whether some GE organisms may prove to be food allergens. Many organic farmers have raised concerns over whether or not they can maintain the purity of their crops.

Q. Aren’t GE crops supposed to reduce the use of pesticides/herbicides and help make the environment cleaner?

A. Many biotech companies claim that the use of GE crops will lead to a reduction in use of pesticides and herbicides. Herbicide tolerant crops, for example, have actually increased the amount of pesticides used and have created pesticide resistant weeds known as “superweeds.” Pests of certain plants have begun to show resistance to certain pesticides.

Q. Why should states mandate that foods containing GE organisms be labeled?

A. The main reason states should mandate labeling is because consumers have a right to know what they are consuming when they purchase various food products. It is also a common sense approach to give consumers a choice when it comes to their food. Individuals with food allergies would be alerted to any ingredients in a product that may cause a severe reaction. Recently announced European Union regulations will mandate the labeling of products which contain GE organisms, including products exported from the U.S. It is logical to extend this protection to U.S. citizens.

Q. Why should states regulate genetic engineering? Doesn’t the federal government already do that?

A. States should regulate genetic engineering for a number of reasons. First, current federal management of GE organisms is complex and out of date. Regulatory duties are spread across three federal agencies and directed by twelve federal laws. The scheme is out of date because the framework was laid out a number of years ago and fails to address the new advancements in agricultural biotechnology. Second, states are at the forefront of this debate. State action in the last two legislative sessions indicates that more than half of the states have dealt with this issue in some way. As more states enact rules and regulations guiding GE organisms the federal government will recognize that a patchwork network of regulations may not be the most effective method and take action. Even counties have begun to declare themselves to remain free of GE organisms as Mendocino County, California, did in a recent vote. Finally, it is important for states to address the many economic factors – agricultural, technological, and ecological – that are tied up in the biotechnological debate.

Q. Why should biotechnology companies or manufacturers who use the technology be held liable for their production/use of GE organisms?

A. Biotechnology companies and users of the technology should be held liable mainly to protect the general public from the abuse and misuse of the technology. The potential for liability stems from not adhering to reasonable safety standards that may result in human health effects, environmental harm, and crop contamination.

Q. Why should states continue to study GE organisms, specifically for labeling products, if there is already information available?

A. States should consider looking into additional studies, including labeling and other issues concerning genetic engineering, because, in reality, there is still a lot of information missing regarding GE organisms. States need to consider the environmental and agricultural impacts GE organisms may have before enacting any sort of regulatory action.