Task #2.

Should there be government regulations requiring genetically engineered foods to be labeled?

In my group, we all agreed that genetically engineered foods need to be labeled.  Consumers have the right to know what they are eating and that it is safe.  Consumers what to know what they are eating for health- related reasons as well.  Consumers want and have a right to labeling of all genetically engineered food, because it is not "substantially equivalent" to conventional food and some individuals can have unpredictable mild to severe allergic reactions. Also, some consumers presently use food labeling to express a wide variety of religious, ethical and environmental preferences.  Consumers should have the choice on whether or not they eat genetically engineered foods.  If foods are genetically engineered, their labels should say this product contains "genetically modified ___", filling in the blank with whatever was being modified. 

Should there be government regulations to protect the environment from genetically engineered crops?

My group came to the conclusion that there should be regulations to protect the environment.  Genetically engineering crops to be more resistant to pesticides allows farmers to use more pesticides with less fear of crop damage, which in turn will lead to greater pollution of our soil and groundwater.  Animals genetically engineered to be larger, to carry specific diseases for research, or to serve as pharmacological factories are frequently sickly, crippled, or otherwise abnormal. Thus, eating genetically engineered animals or animal products could lead to unforeseen risks for human health.  Genetically engineered foods can be allowed if they are healthy and will not harm the environment or someone's health.