In recent years, consumers have become more concerned about genetic engineering in foods. Without understanding the science, consumers may panic when they hear their food has been genetically modified, fearing that it has negative consequences on health. Recently, the government has required food products to be labeled if they contain genetically modified ingredients. The label states that the food contains bioengineered ingredients or simply “bioengineered.” On the package of gluten-free Oreos, the label read “contains a bioengineered food product.” Though the packaging discloses that the manufacturing of the food involves bioengineering, some consumers may not know this means the same thing as genetically modifying. It may be deceptive to someone trying to avoid genetically modified foods. It may be beneficial to the government and food manufacturers, however, because they’re disclosing this information but can still beat around the bush by not full-out saying the products are genetically modified and create fear/mistrust.
