Autonomy, is the free will individuals have to live as they see fit. Often, an individual may be hindered when making decisions for themselves if information that should be known becomes difficult to access.

One particular area of the information debate is the concern for proper food labeling on items that contain GMOs.

A genetically modified organism (GMO), is created when genetic material of an organism is modified in a way that does not occur in nature. GMOs are currently under tight scrutiny by health researchers to determine the level of danger that GMOs put on human health.

But until solid research has been determined, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “Manufacturers often voluntarily provide information on their labels beyond the information required by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act) or FDA regulations” (www.fda.gov). This immediately draws concern for the debate of autonomy, because if citizens are empowered by free will to make their own decisions, than how can a corporation voluntarily limit the information available to decision makers. The FDA further explains that, “ Their reasons [corporations] for doing so may have to do with marketing or providing information of specific interest to their customers (www.fda.gov). Unfortunately, it would appear as though the company’s bottom line is more important than the level of awareness provided to American citizens. The US is behind in GMO labeling, seeing as it is required rather than voluntary in over 40 countries, but not in the United States.

It is important for the public to be informed about what they are consuming in order to make educated decisions that benefit them rather than hinder their health. Public health is in the peoples’ hands, citizens have the right to purchase and consume foods they think is best for themselves.

 

Article By:
Chelsea Appiah
Associate Editor