Robert Streiffer
Department of Medical History and Bioethics, Department of Philosophy, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Alan Rubel
Department of Philosophy, University of Wisconsin-Madison

In their article “Mandatory Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods: Does It Really Provide Consumer Choice?,” which appeared in AgBioForum 6(1&2), Carter and Gruère (2003) argue against those who think that mandatory labeling of genetically modified (GM) food products is justified merely by “the desire to provide informed consumer choice” (p. 68). They argue that because of consumer aversion to GM products, mandatory labeling will result in “most (if not all) processors ” avoiding GM products (p. 69). Moreover, if labeling makes those products unavailable, then it does not facilitate consumer choice. Even assuming Carter and Gruère are correct in their claim that mandatory labels will eliminate consumer choice, that claim misses the mark because of the important differences between choice, informed choice, and autonomy. Read More…