Big Business Fights GMO Labeling

As the fight to require labeling of genetically modified foods continues, big business continues to fight the effort. According to the consumer group Just Label It, companies are pouring money into a campaign to fight the passage of a GMO labeling bill in the state of Washington. Last week DuPont Pioneer donated $3.2 million to the No on 522 Campaign. A few days prior Monsanto added nearly $4.6 million. The Washington initiative states:

1. Polls consistently show that the vast majority of the public, typically more than ninety percent, wants to know if their food was produced using genetic engineering. Without disclosure, consumers of genetically engineered foods unknowingly may violate their own dietary and religious restrictions.
2. Currently there is no federal or state law that requires food producers to identify whether foods were produced using genetic engineering. At the same time, the United States food and drug administration does not require safety studies of such foods. Unless these foods contain a known allergen, the United States food and drug administration does not require the developers of genetically engineered crops to consult with the agency.

Part of the argument against GMO labeling is that food prices will increase. According to a study conducted by Just Label It, there is no evidence that changes in food labels affect supermarket prices.

A poll released last week showed significant support for the Washington 522 measure. Two out of three voters said they would vote in favor of the measure.

Other companies and trade associations supporting the anti-522 effort include Dow, Bayer, BASF, and the Grocery Manufacturers Association.

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Genetic Modification of Food

It's startling when we consider the changes in food over the years - especially when it comes to the genetic modification of our food supply. Nearly 80 percent of non-organic processed foods contain GMOs.

Sir Albert Howard, the father of organic farming, predicted the escalation of chemical agriculture. He fought against synthetic fertilizers (artificial manures) during the 1930s, saying,

". . . artificial manures lead inevitably to artificial nutrition, artificial food, artificial animals, and finally to artificial men and women."

(From his book An Agricultural Testament.)

Can there be anything more artificial than taking the DNA of one organism and inserting it into another organism in order to create a desired trait? I don't need long-term studies to prove what my gut tells me. Food in its original, God-given packaging is far superior to food created by humans.

The United States does not require that GMO foods be labeled as such. More than 40 other countries do.

The organization Just Label It exists solely to see this law changed. They have petitioned the FDA to require the labeling of GMO foods, saying that Americans have a basic right to know what they're eating and the right to make informed choices about what they eat.

More than 92 percent of Americans surveyed agree that GMO labeling ought to be mandatory. If you'd like to join the Just Label It Campaign and learn how you might make a difference, visit their website.

The good news is that we have a choice about the food we eat. Admittedly, it costs more to eat organic and avoid foods that are genetically altered. But can we afford to do otherwise?

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