Gregory Conko

Mandatory labeling of genetically modified (GM) food would increase the cost of these products and generate unwarranted fear in consumers, claims Gregory Conko in the following viewpoint. Requiring that producers trace GM organisms at all stages of production would raise costs, which would be passed on to consumers. Moreover, Conko contends, labeling laws are inconsistent, making it impossible for consumers to know what products are truly free of genetic modification. Gregory Conko is director of food safety policy at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a public policy organization dedicated to free enterprise and limited government.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. Why are some products, such as oils from GM maize or soya, exempt from labeling requirements in Conko’s view?
2. In the author’s opinion, why is the...