citizens call for GMO labeling in washington; the movement continues

[xchrom]

http://www.nationofchange.org/citizens-call-gmo-labeling-washington-movement-continues-1357400831



Once again the fight for GMO labeling has reignited with the introduction of a new GMO labeling bill, but this time in Washington. The “Label it Wa” campaign has already gained 350,000 signatures, and is finally headed to the Secretary of State’s office in Olympia for submission. As the movement comes during the same time that a New Mexico law calls for mandatory labeling of GMOs, it is obvious that individuals everywhere are still deeply concerned over the issue of GMOs.

If you aren’t concerned about GMOs, or think that foods aren’t labeled due to a lack of support over the issue, think again. In addition to being linked to weight gain and disrupting vital organs like the liver, GMO foods have actually been shown to cause massive tumors in rats, in addition to causing early death. Even more concerning is the fact that nearly 80% of the US food supply contains GMO ingredients. Ingredients that are likely created by biotech giant Monsanto, who is responsible for upwards of 90 plus percent of the world’s GM seed supply.

Perhaps this is why grassroots movements are popping up all around the country, and other nations have already taken a stand against GMOs. Despite the largest GMO labeling campaign Prop 37 taking a dive (due to false advertising and quite possibly questionable vote counting), still over 90 percent of citizens in the United States are heavy supporters of GMO labeling legislation.

[rbixby]

1. Funny how putting a simple label on food is so difficult

Come on Monsanto, take pride in your genetics that you fight so hard to patent!

[Overseas]

2. I agree and support GMO labeling.

But there is strong PR to pretend that those who want the labeling and prefer not to eat genetically modified organisms are silly. It is easier to get a bunch of people to ridicule those who are concerned and pretend there is no basis to their fears than to conduct the tests that clearly demonstrate the safety of each of those genetically modified foods. Or to respond with clear evidence that the tests which have raised concerns are incorrect and present convincing evidence of their safety.

We have it backward-- if you want the American public to consume a food that has been altered at the genetic level, you should have to prove it is safe. Just as you would when introducing a new drug-- establish the need for the drug and prove it is safe.

If you have already introduced so many genetically modified foods into our diet that you can't withdraw them until you prove they are safe, then you should at least label them, so those of us who would prefer to stop eating them at least have the choice. And those who want to demonstrate what tough people they are can go ahead and gobble them up.