One of the hotly debated topics in the documentary Food Inc. (2008) is food company disclosure. According to the pundit, if firms completely disclosed statistics on the food consumed by American homes. He claims that if people realized the truth about what they were eating, they would cease eating some of the most prevalent foods. The documentary portrays the food industry as more powerful than law enforcement organizations such as the FDA in an interview with Eric Schlosser. He notes that the industry almost has all the discretion on its operations that it decides what information to reveal and what to conceal. The idea that not revealing information about the production of food helps in ensuring that consumers continue buying can be challenged. Most Americans have an idea how the various foods they consume are prepared. Therefore, showing them the conditions in which they are grown and processed is the best of assuring them their safety.
Harmon (n.p) notes that stakeholders have been pushing for the enactment of laws aimed at full disclosure of information on genetically modified organisms. If passed, the law will require that all foods with genetically engineered ingredients be identified. Over 20 states had proposed this legislation by mid-2016. Vermont became the first state to pass it and this drew the attention of the senate which also moved to propose such a bill. Transparency about food is an important aspect that will promote healthy living and justice in the economy. Researchers in the agricultural field have genetically modified organisms to increase resilience against pests and diseases and increase production. This is a positive aspect. However, stakeholders should focus on disclosing to the consumer what these procedures have and likely implications on their wellbeing and health. This will go a long way in assuring individuals of their health and clearing misconceptions that have dominated the GMO food debate.
Works Cited
Harmon, Amy. The worry about square watermelons and other misconceptions about GMO foods. The New York Times, July 12, 2016. Web: https://www.adn.com/nation-world/2016/07/12/the-worry-about-square-watermelons-and-other-misconceptions-about-gmo-foods/. April 12, 2017.
Kenner, Robert (Dir.). Food, Inc. Kenner, Robert, and Pearlstein, Elise (Prod.). Distributed by Magnolia Pictures, June 12, 2009. DVD. April 12, 2017.
