Labelling GM products; a controversial issue between the E.U. and the U.S

One of the most important and still controversial issues on genetically modified food products is whether such products should be labeled. The main disagreement is over the necessity of mandatory regulation on labelling GM food products. U.S. and EU genetically modified food labelling regulations are clearly at odds with one another. Comparing these two different major legal systems (united states and European Union are both among the largest producers of GM food products), this paper tries to examine which of them appears to be a more efficient perspective on labelling GM food products.
The method used in this Article is descriptive-analytical. Data have been collected by taking notes from relevant sources and have been analyzed with regard to the U.S. and E.U. legal systems and WTO agreements about GMO’s labelling.
Findings: There are generally two approaches on GM food’s labelling subject; On the one hand, the EU legal system recognizes labelling as a tool to make an informed choice for consumers. Setting mandatory labelling regulations, therefore, seems to be necessary. Consequently, the EU set strict regulations forcing producers to label their GM food products. On the other hand, the U.S., considers GM food as being no different from non-GM food. Labelling of GM food, thus, appears to be unnecessary.
Considering the importance of consumer’s right to know and their right to choose, it seems that EU perspective on labeling GM food products is a better and more efficient one.