In this research, we develop a case study, focused on Spain and the European Union, on the controversy over the labelling of transgenic foods. This paper fi rstly compares the social discourses that conceive labelling essentially as being a problem or a solution. Secondly, an analysis is provided of the main legislative responses, together with the specifi c issues that remain controversial in this fi eld. Thirdly, the limits of the cognitive defi cit model and the problem of establishing what information is relevant or irrelevant are discussed. The research concludes by showing the presence of the rhetorics of safety and risk, and proposes an outline of social positions around the consumption of transgenic foods, their differential labelling, and the endeavour of science in our societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]