The controversy over genetically engineered food has moved up the chain, all the way to the ballot box.
In November, voters will decide whether to make California the first state in the nation to require labels on most genetically modified food products. At least 18 states, including California, have tried to pass similar laws through their legislatures and failed. This time, however, the measure made it to the statewide ballot with 1 million citizen signatures; recent polls show Proposition 37 winning by a significant margin.
Food activists across the country are watching the California battle closely, with opponents of genetic modification hoping to make the proposition a model for other states. Supporters of the law, including organic trade groups and environmentalists, say consumers have a right to know if the food they're eating contains genetically modified material - particularly when the long-term health effects are unclear.
Opponents, though, including agribusiness and major food manufacturers such as PepsiCo, Nestlé and Coca-Cola, say such fears are misguided, and that the benefits of genetically modified food far outweigh the perceived negatives. Indeed, the Food and Drug Administration, many scientists and medical organizations have deemed genetically modified foods safe.
Read more: http://www.chron.com/business/article/Modified-food-will-be-on-voters-menu-3780299.php
In November, voters will decide whether to make California the first state in the nation to require labels on most genetically modified food products. At least 18 states, including California, have tried to pass similar laws through their legislatures and failed. This time, however, the measure made it to the statewide ballot with 1 million citizen signatures; recent polls show Proposition 37 winning by a significant margin.
Food activists across the country are watching the California battle closely, with opponents of genetic modification hoping to make the proposition a model for other states. Supporters of the law, including organic trade groups and environmentalists, say consumers have a right to know if the food they're eating contains genetically modified material - particularly when the long-term health effects are unclear.
Opponents, though, including agribusiness and major food manufacturers such as PepsiCo, Nestlé and Coca-Cola, say such fears are misguided, and that the benefits of genetically modified food far outweigh the perceived negatives. Indeed, the Food and Drug Administration, many scientists and medical organizations have deemed genetically modified foods safe.
Read more: http://www.chron.com/business/article/Modified-food-will-be-on-voters-menu-3780299.php
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