转基因食品自愿标识模式之反思——一个权利哲学的视角

Reflection on Voluntary Labeling Model of Genetically Modified Foods:A Perspective of Right Philosophy

在转基因食品标识制度上,存在以美国为代表的自愿标识模式和以欧盟为代表的强制标识模式。从权利哲学视角考察,以美国为代表的自愿标识制度模式以功利主义权利哲学为基础,主张在转基因食品标识制度建构中考虑成本因素,认为自愿标识制度是建立在可靠的科学基础上,能够实现效用最大化,并能够保障和实现消费者知情权。然而,以功利主义权利哲学为基础的自愿标识模式在很大程度上剥夺了消费者自主选择权,将转基因食品标识的成本和风险转嫁给一部分消费者,导致分配不公,并忽视了由于在科学不确定性下转基因食品潜在的长期风险,自愿标识模式在正当性方面存在着严重缺陷。在全球风险社会背景下,转基因食品标识显现出从自愿标识到强制标识的转型可能,我国应当在坚持强制标识制度基础上,合理确定转基因食品强制标识的阈值,明确标识范围、规范阴性标识,建立健全转基因食品的隔离追溯制度,加强转基因食品的科学普及,促使消费者在转基因食品消费中做出知情决策。

There is a voluntary labeling system represented by the United States and a mandatory labeling system represented by the EU.Studied from the perspective of the philosophy of right,the voluntary labeling system represented by the United States is based on the utilitarian philosophy of rights,which affirms that labeling of GMF should consider the cost factor.The voluntary labeling system based on the reliable scientific basis,can achieve maximum utility,and protect the consumer's right to know.However,the following defects are present in voluntary labeling model.First,it deprives consumers'right to inform and choose.Second,it imposes the cost of genetically modified food labeling and risk to the part of consumers,and results in unfair distribution.Third,it ignores the long-term potential risk due to uncertainty in the science of genetically modified food.In the global risk society,labeling of genetically modified food may transform from voluntary labeling to mandatory labeling.In this context,we should adhere to the mandatory labeling system,determinate threshold of mandatory labeling,clearly identify the scope of mandatory labeling,regulate negative labeling,establish sound segregated institution and traceability system of genetically modified food,strengthen the science popularization of genetically modified food and promote consumers to make informed decisions in the consumption of genetically modified food.