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Survey Says: L.A. Grocery Shoppers Want GMO Labels
Photo by Africa Studio via Shutterstock
By Gabriela Worrel / Special to LAist
Much has been written about genetically engineered foods in recent months. While information is abundant, we wondered what on-the-ground shoppers in Los Angeles think about genetically engineered products on their grocery shelves. Here are some snippets from random surveys done at several supermarkets in L.A. While the survey is by no means scientific, it's a small picture of what our fellow Angelenos are thinking.
Seven out of ten randomly surveyed shoppers at four major grocery stores in the L.A. metropolitan area were aware that some items sold in grocery stores have genetically engineered ingredients.
We asked shoppers: "If foods were labeled when they contained genetically modified ingredients, how would that affect your purchasing decisions?"
"I probably wouldn't buy it." - Karen, Ralphs near Exposition Park "I don't think I would buy it." - David, Ralphs near Exposition Park
"I may not get it." - Toya, Albertsons in Baldwin Hills
"It would be a factor in my decision, but I would also consider the price." - Frank, Sprouts in Culver City
"I usually buy organic when I can, but I definitely would not buy it if it said genetically
engineered." - Samantha, Pavilions in Culver City
"I don't know, I have to think about it. I would maybe consider not buying it." - Joseph,
Pavilions in Marina del Rey
"I don't think it would bother me. I would still buy the same things I always do." - Gerrie,
Pavilions in Marina del Rey
This November, voters get to decide what they think about this issue. Proposition 37, if approved, would require many foods to be labeled when they contain such ingredients or have been grown from genetically engineered seeds. Food sellers would also be prohibited from advertising their foods as "natural" if the foods are genetically engineered.
What's your reply to our question, L.A.?
Related:
Let the Food Labeling Battle Continue: The Two Sides of GMOs