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States Pick Up Reigns on GMO Labeling Initiative After Prop 37 Defeat – thanks
to L.
Alex
Pietrowski, Staff Writer
With the defeat of California Prop
37, the fight to require labeling of genetically modified foods has passed
on to other states, such as Washington and Vermont. Although California’s
initiative failed on election day, the campaign brought national attention to
the issue of labeling GM
foods, with 30 other states now working to require GMO labels. Dave Murphy,
executive director of Food Democracy
Now, stated, “More than 4 million Californians are on record saying they
want to know what’s in their food. This is a dynamic moment for the food
movement.” (MercuryNews.com)
In Washington State, where San Juan county just
recently banned
the growth of any GMOs, the effort for GM labeling is underway in order to
put the issue on the November 2013 ballot. Initiative I-522, The People’s Right to Know
Genetically Engineered Food Act,with the goal to provide transparency about
GMO foods to consumers, without increasing costs to either food producers or
purchasers. Food companies already provide labels with information such as
calorie and nutritional values, country of origin and trans fat content. The
I-522 initiative asks that manufacturers now add if any of the ingredients in
foods are produced through genetic engineering.
In Vermont, the
VT Right to Know GMOs coalition has also started gathering signatures to
present to elected officials about the need for GMO labeling on food products
sold in retail stores. With this effort, Vermont joins the Coalition of States
for Mandatory GMO Labeling comprising of the following states: Arizona,
California, Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa,
Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New
York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia,
and Washington.
Andrea Stander, Director of Rural Vermont, lauded
The Coalition of States for Mandatory GMO Labeling saying, “This is about our
fundamental right to know how our food is produced. The corporate-led campaign
against labeling food that has been genetically engineered represents an
enormous threat to the integrity and diversity of our food sources. This
multi-state coalition will focus and coordinate the power of ordinary citizens
to overcome corporate control of our food system.” (vtrighttoknow.org)
Advocates of GMO labeling plan to actively pursue
legislation on the state level in 2013 although more pressure is also expected
to be put on Federal authorities specifically President Barack Obama and the US
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Over 50 countries around the world
including the European Union, Japan, China, Australia and New Zealand already
require the labeling of genetically engineered foods.” (vtrighttoknow.org)
About the Author
Alex Pietrowski is an artist and writer concerned
with preserving good health and the basic freedom to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
He is a staff writer for WakingTimes.com,
and an avid student of Yoga and life.
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