Marchant book on genetically modified labeling published

May 14, 2010

A new book that contends labeling laws on genetically modified foods are antithetical to the notion of consumer choice, co-authored by <a href="http://www.law.asu.edu/Apps/Faculty/Faculty.aspx?individual_id=6">Gary Marchant</a>, Executive Director of the College of Law's Center for Law, Science & Innovation, has been published.<separator></separator>Thwarting Consumer Choice: The Case against Mandatory Labeling for Genetically Modified Foods was published by the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research in Washington, D.C. Marchant collaborated on the book with Professor Emeritus <a href="https://webapp4.asu.edu/directory/person/588161">Guy Cardineau</a> and Thomas Redick, principal attorney in the St. Louis law firm of Global Environmental Ethics Counsel.<separator></separator>The authors of the three-part book contend that laws requiring foods to be labeled if they are genetically modified actually harm consumers by pushing the products off the market.<separator></separator>Part one provides background on genetically modified foods, including what is known about their benefits and risks, and summarizes and compares current laws around the world that mandate genetically modified labels. Part two critically assesses the most common arguments advanced in support of mandatory genetically modified labeling, and shows that each falls short in justifying, and in most cases actually weighs against, such labeling requirements. Part three provides additional arguments against mandatory genetically modified labeling, including the substantial costs, burdens, and disruptions associated with it, and the availability of a superior voluntary, market-based approach that will empower consumers to choose freely whether to buy and consume genetically modified foods.<separator></separator>To read more about and to order the book, click <a href="http://www.aei.org/book/100038">here</a>.<separator></separator>… research interests include the use of genetic information in environmental regulation, risk and the precautionary principle, legal aspects of personalized medicine, and regulation of emerging technologies such as nanotechnology, neuroscience and biotechnology. He teaches courses in Environmental Law, Law, Science & Technology, Genetics and the Law, Biotechnology: Science, Law and Policy, and Nanotechnology Law & Policy. He also is a professor in ASU's School of Life Sciences.<separator></separator>Cardineau is the Centennial Professor of Associated Students at ASU, and a research professor emeritus in the College of Law, the Biodesign Institute, and the School of Life Sciences. He is a professor at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Nuevo León. Cardineau is an author of several scientific papers and has been included in a number of Who's Who listings as well as American Men and Women of Science. He is an inventor of more than 30 issued and pending patent applications in the plant sciences, both U.S. and foreign filed. Janie Magruder, <a href="mailto:Jane.Magruder@asu.edu">Jane.Magruder@asu.edu</a> (480) 727-9052 Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law

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