California Ballot Initiative Filed to Require Labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods
November 10th, 2011
Yesterday, a ballot initiative that would require the labeling of all genetically engineered (GE) foods sold in California was submitted to the Attorney Generalâ??s office. The initiative has the support from a coalition of consumer groups and organic food companies â?? this coalition is expected to grow as the campaign unfolds in the coming months.
The California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act is an initiative intended to be on the California ballot in November 2012, pending securing enough signatures to qualify it for the ballot. The Act would simply require that food sold in retail outlets be labeled if it is genetically engineered, or if it contains genetically engineered ingredients.
"Genetic engineering adds completely new elements into our food. Because the FDA has failed to require labeling of GMO food, this initiative closes a critical loophole in food labeling law. It will allow Californians to choose what they buy and eat and will allow health professionals to track any potential adverse health impacts of these foods." said Andy Kimbrell, Executive Director of the Center for Food Safety. "Genetically engineering food can cause unintended consequences and because there have been no long term studies, we are unsure of how GMOs may affect our health."
CFS believes that consumers have a right to know whatâ??s in the food we eat and feed our children, including whether food is genetically engineered. We all should be able to make informed choices, and have the ability to choose whether to buy genetically engineered food or not.
Stay tuned to CFSâ??s websites for more information on this issue in the coming weeks!
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