Beef Hormone Controversy - Effects Upon Public Opinion in The U.S.

Effects Upon Public Opinion in The U.S.

One of the effects of the Beef Hormone Dispute in the US was to awaken the public's interest in the issue. This interest was not wholly unsympathetic to the EU. In 1989, for example, the Consumer Federation of America and the Center for Science in the Public Interest both pressed for an adoption of a ban within the U.S. similar to that within the E.U. US consumers appear to be less concerned with the use of synthetic chemicals in food production. Because of current policy, in which all beef is allowed whether produced with hormones or genetically modified, U.S. consumers now have to rely on their own judgment when buying goods. However, in a study done in 2002, 85% of respondents wanted mandatory labeling on beef produced with growth hormones. The public in general is motivated to purchase organic or natural meats for several reasons. Organic meats and poultry is the fastest growing agricultural sector, from 2002-2003 there was a growth of 77.8%, accounting for $23 billion in the entire organic food market. The fact that the American public is transitioning to organic meat can imply a rejection of beef made with growth hormones.