The benefits of labeling genetically-modified foods

[nosmokes]

There is no question that GMOs need to labeled and to not require such a thing is criminal neglect at best.It is one of the more striking examples of our governments collusion with the AgBiotech industry's profit motive over the health and well being of the populace and environment.

original-napavalleyregister

The benefits of labeling genetically-modified foods


By ERICA MARTENSON
Tuesday, January 01, 2008

On behalf of the organization Preserving the Integrity of Napa's Agriculture (P.I.N.A.), and the members it represents, I am writing to thank Vallerga's Market for beginning to label food products on its store shelves that are GMO-free, meaning they are free of ingredients that have been genetically engineered.

Our organization has been working to educate the local community about the risks of genetically-engineered crops, and one of these is the health risk they pose to consumers. By labeling GMO-free products, Vallerga's is not only helping customers avoid these potentially dangerous ingredients but is also raising awareness amongst consumers who may know very little, if anything, about genetically-engineered food, but may seek out additional information if interested or concerned.

Polls consistently show that about 90 percent of American consumers want the U.S. government to mandate the labeling of GM foods and that a majority would prefer not to eat them. However, the federal government refuses to require such labeling, due to the lobbying efforts of the biotech corporations that have developed and profit from this technology and know that if these foods are labeled that consumers will not purchase them. Fortunately, some manufacturers are beginning to distinguish their products by labeling them as GMO-free. If consumers know what to look for, they can also avoid GM foods by carefully reading ingredient labels; however, most consumers would not know which ingredients to look out for, which is why Vallerga's labeling system is so important.

A newly-published book by the Center for Food Safety called "Your Right to Know: Genetic Engineering and the Secret Changes in Your Food," is another valuable tool for consumers wishing to avoid GM food. It provides a complete, up-to-date guide on the significant risks genetically-engineered foods present to our health, our environment, and our farming communities, as well as a pull-out "Pocket Shopper's Guide to GE Foods" that lists which products to buy in order to avoid GM ingredients. One can purchase the book at www.centerforfoodsafety.org.

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