Genetically Engineered Foods Labeling Measure on California Ballot

Genetically Engineered Foods Labeling Measure on California Ballot

By Sylvia Cochran | Yahoo! Contributor Network – 54 mins ago...

The California secretary of state announced Monday that voters would have the opportunity to decide on a genetically engineered food labeling initiative.

What would the ballot measure accomplish?

If passed, food manufacturers would be required to label raw or processed foods regarding the use of genetically modified plant or animal ingredients. Foods containing genetically modified ingredients would not be eligible to carry a label identifying the good as "natural." Exempt are alcoholic beverages, certified organic goods, restaurant foods and items "unintentionally produced with genetically engineered material."

Is there support for this measure?

Mother Jones notes almost 1 million signatures were collected for the initiative to qualify for the November ballot, well above the 504,760 that were needed.

If it passes, what will be the possible outcomes?

California would become the first state to require labeling of foods containing genetically modified animal or plant materials. It would lead to mandatory labeling of consumer goods such as mayonnaise and sodas. Affected products are primarily those containing genetically modified corn, sugar beets and soy. The secretary of state anticipates the expenditure of about $1 million each year to ensure manufacturer compliance. There will likely be "potentially significant" litigation expenses associated with the prosecution of those violating the law and arrival at a court-approved definition of the term "natural."

What are the critics saying?

The Western Farm Press warns passage of the measure would open the doors to lawsuits, even if plaintiffs lacked proof of possible violations or damages. Referring to labeling proponents' concerns over allergen creation as "unadulterated hogwash," opponents point to experts at the FDA, the American Dietetic Association, the American Medical Association and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization who agree unanimously the consumption of genetically modified foods is safe. Stop the Costly Food Labeling Proposition, an organization dedicated to defeating the measure, warns of increased grocery prices to the tune of "hundreds of dollars" per family and bans of "tens of thousands" of grocery products.

How do labeling proponents react?

California Right to Know, which is a driving force of the initiative, considers the measure straightforward. "It's about our fundamental right to make informed choices about the food we eat and feed our families," the campaign's spokesperson says.

Genetically Engineered Foods Labeling Measure on California Ballot - Yahoo! News