Fearful Food Industry Jeopardizing Public's Right to Information

[marmar]

Fearful Food Industry Jeopardizing Public's Right to Information

Saturday, 09 January 2016 00:00
By Carey Gillam, US Right to Know | Op-Ed


I just don't get it.

Over the more than 20 years I have worked as a business journalist, I've always been motivated by a simple premise: Knowledge is power, and that power belongs with the public. The spread of information that people can use to make decisions - what to buy, what to eat, where to invest, etc. - helps support and promote the principles of freedom and democracy, I believe.

That's why the fear and loathing emanating from the food industry over the public's right to information about the food they consume is so hard for me to grasp.

As we kick off 2016 the leaders of many of the nation's largest and most powerful food companies are doubling down on their commitment to block mandatory labeling of foods made with genetically engineered crops, and they are seeking Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack's help to do so. The issue has become urgent for the industry as what would be the nation's first mandatory labeling measure is set to go into effect July 1 in Vermont. The industry has thus far failed to convince a federal court to block the law's implementation, though the fight could go to trial this spring.

Citizens in many other states continue to try to pass similar mandatory labeling measures. A GMO label would allow a consumer to know at a glance information that many consider important. Given that knowledge, some people might shy away from GMO-labeled foods; others may not care. Some may seek out GMO-labeled foods if they feel they provide special value or are helping "feed the world," as GMO seed developers such as Monsanto Co. claim. But the public's right to that knowledge - to that decision-making ability - terrifies many in an industry that generates sales of roughly $2.1 trillion annually. The fear is so strong that they have enlisted teams of legal and public relations professionals to help try to convince regulators and federal lawmakers to override Vermont's law and prohibit any future laws like it. ..................(more)

http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/34300-fearful-food-industry-jeopardizing-public-s-right-to-information

[pipoman]

1. A waste of time

Every single seed crop has been "genetically modified"....every single one has been engineered for the environment, the production volume, the output characteristics....since forever modification has been going on....now what? Every single product in your grocery store will state it has gmos....a waste of time, imho...

[marmar]

2. Ok, even if that's true, what's wrong with letting the public know?

More information is a good thing, IMO. I don't see what the problem is.

[pipoman]

3. The public doesn't care....

Perhaps those things without gmo's should be labeled....there won't be many if the makers are honest....I'm not sure unmodified seed is even available....how would anyone know?