"DNA Labelling!" aka American Idiots

[Davka]

Over 80 percent of Americans support “mandatory labels on foods containing DNA”

    A recent survey by the Oklahoma State University Department of Agricultural Economics finds that over 80 percent of Americans support “mandatory labels on foods containing DNA,” about the same number as support mandatory labeling of GMO foods “produced with genetic engineering.” Oklahoma State economist Jayson Lusk has some additional details on the survey. If the government does impose mandatory labeling on foods containing DNA, perhaps the label might look something like this:

    WARNING: This product contains deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The Surgeon General has determined that DNA is linked to a variety of diseases in both animals and humans. In some configurations, it is a risk factor for cancer and heart disease. Pregnant women are at very high risk of passing on DNA to their children.[/indent]

The Oklahoma State survey result is probably an example of the intersection between scientific ignorance and political ignorance, both of which are widespread.The most obvious explanation for the data is that most of these people don’t really understand what DNA is, and don’t realize that it is contained in almost all food. When they read that a strange substance called “DNA” might be included in their food, they might suspect that this is some dangerous chemical inserted by greedy corporations for their own nefarious purposes.[/indent]



Is it any wonder that we have grown men and women babbling on about a 6,000-year-old Earth and Noah's Magical Ark, when our science education is this dismal? There is not enough facepalm.

[pocaracas]

It all boils down to the context of the question...
It seems it is possible to bias the answer based on how you pose the question...

[Davka]

It all boils down to the context of the question...
It seems it is possible to bias the answer based on how you pose the question...

The question is simple. "Do you support mandatory labeling on foods that contain DNA?" It was asked in a survey which also included "do you support" questions about all the things listed on that chart.

So no, this wasn't a push-poll.

[Alex K]

An online survey? I'm skeptical...

[popeyespappy]

[Chad32]

Well if you're worried about DNA, you'll have to go vegan. That is, if plants don't also have DNA. Yes, it is like warning people about dihydrogen monoxide. Also known as water.

I'm for leabeling things so we know what's in them, but talking about DNA seems a bit much.

[Alex K]

Well if you're worried about DNA, you'll have to go vegan. That is, if plants don't also have DNA.

Of course they do

But cooking your food should be enough to get rid of it, no?

[pocaracas]

It all boils down to the context of the question...
It seems it is possible to bias the answer based on how you pose the question...

The question is simple. "Do you support mandatory labeling on foods that contain DNA?" It was asked in a survey which also included "do you support" questions about all the things listed on that chart.

So no, this wasn't a push-poll.

Transfat - genetic engineering - DNA...
Context matters.
People see that DNA and read GM foods.
Somehow, I think the result wouldn't be too different if that was done in Europe.

[Alex K]

Somehow, I think the result wouldn't be too different if that was done in Europe.

Yes. Germany e.g. is the all-organic alt-med world headquarters. I have seen people advertise organic food as Gen-frei ("gene-free"), and for good reason I'm sure.

[popeyespappy]

But cooking your food should be enough to get rid of it, no?

Only if you bring it to 1000 C and hold it there for an hour. This process has the added benefit of removing all that nasty dihydrogen monoxide too.