Affective Implications of GM Food on Social and Individual Integrity: An Ethical Approach

Abstract

Genetically modified organisms are a current topic that gives rise to various reactions across different forums ranging from academic discussions to public forums. Recent advances in biotechnology are not only a matter of concern to scientists but to lay people as well. Genetically modified food is one of the issues of biotechnology that consumers may encounter in their daily lives. The reactions that genetically modified organisms or more specifically genetically modified food bring about may stem from various reasons. What is important is that these reactions should be taken into account in decision making. In this paper, I argue for the importance of respecting consumers’ integrity by providing them with a sufficient amount of information for making meaningful choices concerning their food purchases. The context of this paper is consumer autonomy in the European Union and the focus is more specifically on labelling. As long as consumers regard the difference between genetically modified food and traditional food significant, labelling provides at least one means for respecting the consumer’s integrity.