Living in the information age, people often assume easy access to data. When it comes to food one may consider eating, however, this is not always the case. Recent changes by many large companies makes it easier to know what is in menu items at certain restaurants. All such establishments may be required to follow certain labeling guidelines if proposed FDA changes take effect.
Those who choose to purchase food from grocery stores also often lack the data they desire to make informed purchasing decisions. Whole Foods is now the “the first major retailer in the United States to require that all genetically modified foods in their U.S. and Canadian stores be labeled.” While that shift marks a significant step forward, the company is not projecting full compliance until 2018.
So What?
Whether I chose to eat foods purchased in a grocery store, from a restaurant, or those sourced by any other means, I should have the option of knowing what I am selecting. The data about these prospective purchases should be readily accessible to all prospective consumers. Now is the time for full disclosure and radical transparency.
- On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is it to you that companies selling food make available to their customers information about what is contained in such?
- Do you expect to see greater reform in labeling in the next 5 years? If so, do you think such is more likely with prepared foods sold in restaurants or food sold through grocery stores and similar retailers?
- What significant principles in your religion guide your thinking about this topic?