Title

TB185: Designing a Labeling Policy for Genetically Modified Food: Results of Focus Group Research

Authors

Mario F. Teisl
Lynn Halverson
Kelly O'Brien
Brian Roe

Files

Description

The labeling of genetically modified foods is a topic of growing, and sometimes cantankerous, public debate—a debate whose outcome could dramatically alter the operation of the U.S. production agriculture, processing, distribution and retailing sectors. The debate surrounding the labeling of genetically modified foods is largely about how much information to supply to consumers to facilitate effective choice and how that information should be supplied. Although there seems to be empirical evidence of a mainstream desire for the labeling of genetically modified foods, we know of no study that has provided guidance to policy makers as to the best method of labeling genetically modified foods. Therefore, the goal here is to explore and to evaluate possible approaches for labeling genetically modified foods. The authors conclude their report with 11 recommendations.

Document Type

Article

ISSN

1070-1524

Rights and Access Note

Rights assessment remains the responsibility of the researcher. No known restrictions on publication.

Volume

185

Publication Date

10-1-2002

Publisher

Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station

City

Orono

Keywords

food labeling, food law and legislation, plant genetic engineering, genetically modified foods

Disciplines

Agricultural and Resource Economics | Behavioral Economics | Food Biotechnology

Recommended Citation

Teisl, M.F., L. Halverson, K. O'Brien, B. Roe, N. Ross, M. Vayda. 2002. Designing a labeling policy for genetically modified food: Results of focus group research. Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station Technical Bulletin 185.