Proposed Initiative Would Require New Food Labels
Signature gathering is underway for a measure that would place labeling requirements on food that is genetically engineered. Its supporters are aiming for the November ballot and opposition is already gearing up.
The "California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act" would require labels identifying genetically engineered foods starting in 2014. Foods containing some G-E ingredients would also be labeled.
The initiative's Co-Chair Grant Lundberg said this technology isn't fully understood-and consumers should know when it's present. "It's about choice and concerns of consumers," said Lundberg.
But the California Farm Bureau Federation's Cynthia Cory said consumers can already buy certified organic products if they are concerned. She feels genetic engineering is safe and the proposed initiative is unhelpful, stating "It's misleading and confusing and so it scares people."
