GMO Domino Effect

[marmar]

from In These Times:


GMO Domino Effect
Four states to go, and a cascade of food labeling laws will take effect.

BY Jessica Corbett


In June, legislators in Connecticut took a bite out of the secrecy surrounding genetically modified foods.

Connecticut is the first state to pass legislation that requires food manufacturers to label products containing genetically modified ingredients. But the historic legislation, pushed forward by consumer and environmental advocacy groups such as GMO Free CT, comes with a caveat. Before the new law can take effect, four other states, including at least one that borders Connecticut, must pass a similar bill, and a combination of northeastern states with a total population of 20 million must also approve GMO labeling legislation.

This “safety-in numbers” approach is an attempt to minimize the potential for lawsuits from food manufacturers. Until now, industry has successfully thwarted most attempts by the “right to know” movement, which emphasizes that the health risks
 of GMOs are still unclear and that consumers have the right to choose safe food, to pass labeling laws. In Vermont, the threat of a lawsuit from Monsanto halted passage of a similar law in spring 2012. And during the November 2012 elections, California voters rejected Proposition 37, a ballot initiative that would have required GMO labeling, after Monsanto and other biotech companies spent approximately $50 million on advertising against the initiative.

This time around, the push for labeling laws could bear more fruit: Maine has already followed in Connecticut’s wake and approved its own labeling law (as in Connecticut, the Maine law is contingent on other nearby states passing their own bills), and 25 other states—including all of the northeastern states—have introduced legislation to require labeling or prohibit the production of genetically engineered foods, according to the Center for Food Safety. ..................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://inthesetimes.com/article/15225/gmo_domino_effect/

[Catherina]

1. Rec'd but wait until TPP kicks in n/t

[chervilant]

2. Many, many more of us

need to refuse to buy GMOs! We must help those who are ignorant about GMOs learn why our concerns are merited. We must send a clear message to Monsanto and Big agribusiness that we want healthy, nutritious food raised in eco-responsible ways.

[byeya]

3. I recommend In These Times to all - an excellent magazine and one of the few to seriously

cover labor issues.

I always try and find the words "Non GMO" on the food I purchase