» Genetically engineered food was first available on the market in the mid-1990s.

» In Europe, there was widespread concern that there hadn’t been enough testing on genetically engineered plants to be producing food for general consumption.

» In response to this concern, the biotechnology industry hired public relations firms in the United States to begin assuring the people that there was no reason for alarm, that genetically-engineered food was not only safe, but also essential for feeding and nourishing people in third world countries.

» Public interest groups have attempted to pass legislation that requires that all GMO (genetically-modified organism) food available on supermarket shelves be labeled, but Congress has repeatedly failed to pass this legislation.

» The debate on genetically engineered food in the United States has been largely one-sided, favoring industry over public concern about the effect this technology could have on agriculture, science and public health.

2. How did public relations help to shape the public discussion regarding GMO foods?

3. Why do you think the biotechnology industry opposes labeling?