Passage Two

Questions 51 to 55 are based on the following passage.

In recent years, the food industry has increased its use of labels. Whether the labels say

'non-GMO ( .:II=- # .£ ltl &!J ) ' or 'no sugar,' or 'zero carbohydrates', consumers are

increasingly demanding more information about what's in their food. One report found that

39 percent of consumers would switch from the brands they currently buy to others that

provide clearer, more accurate product information. Food manufacturers are responding to

the report with new labels to meet that demand , and they 're doing so with an eye towards

giving their products an advantage over the competition, and bolstering profits.

This strategy makes intuitive sense. If consumers say they want transparency, tell them

exactly what is in your product. That is simply supplying a certain demand. But the

marketing strategy in response to this consumer demand has gone beyond articulating what

is in a product, to labeling what is NOT in the food. These labels are known as "absence

claims" labels, and they represent an emerging labeling trend that is detrimental both to the

consumers who purchase the products and the industry that supplies them.

For example, Runt's put a "non-GMO" label on its canned crushed tomatoes a few

years ago-despite the fact that at the time there was no such thing as a GMO tomato on

the market. Some dairy companies are using the "non-GMO" label on their milk, despite

the fact that all milk is naturally GMO-free, another label that creates unnecessary fear

around food.

While creating labels that play on consumer fears and misconceptions about their food

may give a company a temporary marketing advantage over competing products on the

grocery aisle, in the long term this strategy will have just the opposite effect: by injecting

fear into the discourse about our food, we run the risk of eroding consumer trust in not just

a single product, but the entire food business.

Eventually, it becomes a question in consumers, minds: Were these foods ever safe?

By purchasing and consuming these types of products, have I already done some kind of

harm to my family or the planet?

For food manufacturers, it will mean damaged consumer trust and lower sales for

everyone. And this isn't just supposition. A recent study found that absence claims labels

can create a stigma around foods even when there is no scientific evidence that they cause

harm.

It's clear that food manufacturers must tread carefully when it comes to using absence

claims. In addition to the likely negative long-term impact on sales, this verbal trick sends a

message that innovations in farming and food processing are unwelcome, eventually

leading to less efficiency, fewer choices for consumers, and ultimately, more costly food

products. If we allow this kind of labeling to continue, we will all lose.

51. What trend has been observed in a report?

A) Food manufacturers, rising awareness of product safety.

B) Food manufacturers, changing strategies to bolster profits.

C) Consumers, growing demand for eye-catching food labels.

D) Consumers, increasing desire for clear product information.

52. What do es the author say is manufacturers new market in g strategy?

A) Stressing the absence of certain elements in their products.

B) Articulating the unique nutritional value of their products.

C) Supplying detailed information of their products.

D) Designing transparent labels for their products.

53. What point does the author make about non-GMO labels?

A) They are increasing ly attracting customers ' attention.

B) They create lots of trouble for GMO food producers.

C) They should be used more for vegetables and milk.

D) They cause anxiety about food among consumers.

54. What does the author say absence claims labels will do to food manufacturers?

A) Cause changes in their marketing strategies.

B) Help remove stigma around their products.

C) Erode consumer trust and reduce sales.

D) Decrease support from food scientists.

55. What does the author suggest food manufacturers do?

A) Take measures to lower the cost of fo od products.

B) Exercise caution about the use of absence claims.

C) Welcome new innovations in food processing.

D) Promote efficiency and increase food variety.