What is California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act?
The California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act is simple: the initiative would simply require food sold in retail outlets such as grocery stores (restaurants are not included) in California to be labeled if it is produced with genetic engineering. In addition to this disclosure, genetically engineered foods are prohibited from being advertised as 'natural.'
Why should we label genetically engineered (GE) food?
Consumers have a right to know what's in the food we buy and eat and feed our children, just as we have the right to know how many calories are in the food we buy, or whether food comes from other countries like Mexico or China. The same goes for whether our meat, dairy, fruits, or vegetables are genetically engineered or contain GE ingredients. We should all be able to make informed choices, and have the freedom to choose whether to buy GE food or not.
Can genetically engineered foods cause health problems?
That's unclear. Unlike the strict safety evaluations required for the approval of new drugs, the FDA does not require health studies or safety testing on these GE foods for human consumption. However, independent studies do show that GE food can create new, unintended toxicants and increase allergies and other heath problems. In 2011, Canadian researchers reported that 93% of the pregnant women's blood and 80% of their fetal cord blood samples contained a toxin found in GE corn that produces its own pesticide (Bt corn). Experts around the world agree that by labeling GE food, we can help identify any adverse health reactions that these foods may cause.
Will there be a cost to consumers?
There is no added cost to consumers. We are talking about adding a tiny amount of ink to a label. Companies change their labels all the time.
According to a recent EMC Research poll, 91% of California voters agree that if food contains genetically-engineered ingredients, it should be labeled as such.
Almost fifty countries -- including all of the European Union countries, Japan, and even China -- which contain over 40% of the world's population label their genetically engineered foods.
WHAT DO THEY KNOW THAT WE DON'T?
www.carighttoknow.org
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