Poll shows 80% support among Americans for "mandatory labels on foods containing DNA"

[muriel_volestrangler]

http://agecon.okstate.edu/faculty/publications/4975.pdf

Via:

Some things seemed reasonable, others a bit crazy. I thought the idea of a tax on sugared sodas was a good one, but it’s the least popular idea on the list. Almost half the people support a ban on marijuana, which is silly and destructive.

But the one I boggled at was the seventh one down. "Mandatory labels on food containing DNA." 80% of those surveyed thought that was a good idea, only slightly less than those demanding mandatory labels on GMO foods. But, but, but, you splutter, that’s basically everything. If it’s food that’s made from organisms, it’s tainted with DNA. I tried to think of what I could buy at the grocery store that might be DNA-free, and I came up with…heavily sugared sodas, maybe? Those cheese products that taste like they’re made from petroleum? Bottled water?

All those lovely things touted as good and healthy for you — fresh fruits and vegetables, for instance, and even those things that might not be so good for you, like bacon — are full of DNA.

http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2015/01/17/the-most-dangerous-additive/

[FlaGranny]

1. Wow!

When reading that headline I was sure that a word or two had been left out of it. Sigh!

[DCBob]

3. I think many must have assumed the question was referring to 'modified' dna.

I cant believe 80% are that ignorant.

[Arkansas Granny]

6. I agree. Surely the respondents assumed that it referred to GMO goods.

[DCBob]

2. All fruits veggies meat fish have dna.

Are 80% that clueless?

[cantbeserious]

5. Truly Troubling Thoughts

eom

[freedom fighter jh]

4. Mandatory labels on food containing DNA are a good idea.

Doesn't the law require them already?

I thought the law required ingredient labels on all food. That would include food containing DNA.

That's not what the question means? Seems to me that's what it says. Some responders may have taken it to mean what it says.

[Igel]

8. Nope.

Check out that next apple or banana you buy at the store.

Looking at bananas right now. No warning labels. No nutritional content labels. Just a little round thing that gives the cashier the right code and identifies them as bananas. (Just in case the cashier fails to recognize them as bananas, no doubt. Easily confused with fish and figs, those bananas.)

We mock a survey that says, "Most people have their thumbs up their butts ... at the same time they're sucking their thumbs."

Then we cite one as solid support when those same "most people" have something "wise" to say. Sort of the very definition of "confirmation bias."

[FrodosPet]

7. And we need to get the DHMO out of our food as well.

That stuff is NASTY!

http://www.dhmo.org/facts.html

Dihydrogen Monoxide (DHMO) is a colorless and odorless chemical compound, also referred to by some as Dihydrogen Oxide, Hydrogen Hydroxide, Hydronium Hydroxide, or simply Hydric acid. Its basis is the highly reactive hydroxyl radical, a species shown to mutate DNA, denature proteins, disrupt cell membranes, and chemically alter critical neurotransmitters. The atomic components of DHMO are found in a number of caustic, explosive and poisonous compounds such as Sulfuric Acid, Nitroglycerine and Ethyl Alcohol.

~ snip ~

Should I be concerned about Dihydrogen Monoxide?

Yes, you should be concerned about DHMO! Although the U.S. Government and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) do not classify Dihydrogen Monoxide as a toxic or carcinogenic substance (as it does with better known chemicals such as hydrochloric acid and benzene), DHMO is a constituent of many known toxic substances, diseases and disease-causing agents, environmental hazards and can even be lethal to humans in quantities as small as a thimbleful.

~ snip ~

What are some of the dangers associated with DHMO?

Each year, Dihydrogen Monoxide is a known causative component in many thousands of deaths and is a major contributor to millions upon millions of dollars in damage to property and the environment. Some of the known perils of Dihydrogen Monoxide are:

> Death due to accidental inhalation of DHMO, even in small quantities.
> Prolonged exposure to solid DHMO causes severe tissue damage.
> Excessive ingestion produces a number of unpleasant though not typically life-threatening side-effects.
> DHMO is a major component of acid rain.
> Gaseous DHMO can cause severe burns.
> Contributes to soil erosion.
> Leads to corrosion and oxidation of many metals.
> Contamination of electrical systems often causes short-circuits.
> Exposure decreases effectiveness of automobile brakes.
> Found in biopsies of pre-cancerous tumors and lesions.
> Given to vicious dogs involved in recent deadly attacks.

~ snip ~