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Label GMOs Initiative Filed, Will You Sign?
Genetically Modified Organisms via Shutterstock
By Gabriela Worrel / Special to LAist
Californians are one step closer to voting on a ballot initiative requiring labeling of genetically engineered foods. Last week, the coalition It's Our Right To Know filed a ballot initiative with the California Attorney General's office. Volunteers must collect at least 850,000 signatures by April 2012 in order to place the initiative on the November 2012 state ballot.
If successful, the initiative will allow voters to choose whether foods containing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) should be labeled as such. Labeling food packaging would allow consumers to make informed decisions about the type of ingredients in the food they eat. GMOs are pervasive in the food system, and current state laws do not require labeling of GMO foods.
According to one of the initiative's sponsors, the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) , over 80% of Californians polled favor GMO labeling. The OCA asserts that the initiative has been carefully crafted to prevent costs on food consumers or producers. The initiative language will be posted on the Label GMOs website in the coming days.
Sponsored message
Monsanto, an international leader well known in developing and selling seeds used in GMO crops, notes on its website that "Monsanto is dedicated to providing full transparency about our company."
Will the company also support transparency of its products in the marketplace? That much remains to be seen.
Check out our previous Label GMO 2012 Campaign coverage:
Is California Poised to Change the Nation's Food Landscape?
Hidden in Our Food: GMOs & Your Right to Know
Exercise Democracy at The World Food Day Rally
Mary's Gone Crackers & Speaks Out Against GMOs
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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