The Label Genetically Engineered Food Act

A total of 971,126 signatures were delivered to the 58 county registrars throughout the state of California. Genetically engineered food is in 70%-80% of our processed foods in today’s society.  In the mid/late 1990’s Monsanto in the form of BT Corn introduced engineered food.  

Other genetically modified organisms (GMOs) like soy, sugar beets, canola oil and cottonseed oil are regular ingredients in US packaged foods. Even though preliminary findings brought the FDA scientists to the conclusion that these foods needed further testing in order to be proven safe, they were deregulated.  There is not enough research available to the public to prove these foods are safe or unsafe for release.  Over 80% of Californians polled want labeling and that would probably be the case for the whole country.

Over fifty other countries, including those in the European Union, require the labeling of these foods.  Community members and other label companies from the Monterey County, “have asked the FDA to mandate labeling but they will not, in part because of a conflict of interest: many FDA heads of office were also employed by Monsanto.  They often return to Monsanto after working for the FDA.  The California initiative will require labeling of these goods in the California supermarkets, because it is a law of the people.  It is a law that cannot be changed unless the people vote on it,” said Mishka, Label GMOs-Colleen Ingram member.