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What are GMO Foods?
According to the World Health Organization, genetically modified foods are altered by the introduction of genes from a different organism. Typically, GMO foods are plant-based, and crops are modified to increase resistance to disease and to benefit harvests. Currently, a number of the foods that we eat and feed our families (including certain baby formulas and a high percentage of corn, soy, cotton and sugar beets commonly used in processed foods sold in the U.S.) contain GMOs. Without labeling requirements, we are unaware of the GMO ingredients in our foods.
Do Other Countries Label GMOs?
The notion of GMO food labeling is widespread across the globe. In fact, 64 countries around the world already require GMO labeling, including Japan, India, Russia and China. As a whole, the European Union enforces mandatory labeling requirements on all genetically modified food and feedstock.
Why Should We Label GMO Foods?
Labeling is an issue of transparency. Labeling enables us to make an informed choice about what foods are right for our families. We have the right to know what's in our food and the right to choose for ourselves what we eat and feed our families. These are fundamental American values.
Labeling is supported by consumers, farmers, nurses, and doctors across the U.S., and polls regularly show that more than 90% of Americans want labeling of genetically engineered foods. A 2011 poll found that GMO labeling has broad bipartisan support, with 89% of Republicans, 90% of Independents and 93% of Democrats favoring GMO labeling in the U.S.
Will Labels Make Food More Expensive?
Manufacturers change their labels often and based on labeling in other countries, food costs should not be impacted. U.S. food processors agree that changes in labeling have no effect on consumer costs. “We, as with most manufacturers, are continually updating our packaging. It is a regular cost of doing business - a small one at that - and is already built into the price consumers pay for products,” said Arran Stephens, president and founder of Nature’s Path. “Claims that labeling GMOs would significantly increase the price of food for consumers just aren’t true.” Companies would most likely update their packaging for other reasons within the timeframe they will be given to comply with a new law and could simply make the additional GMO labeling changes at the same time.
In Europe, GMO labeling "did not result in increased costs, despite the horrifying (double-digit) prediction of some interests," according to David Byrne, former European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection of the European Parliament. Similarly, Norway did not see prices increase when it adopted GMO labeling policy.
Will Labeling Lead to a Ban on GMO Foods?
We are requesting a simple label indicating whether or not our food has been genetically engineered. Labeling is not a ban on genetically engineered food; it is important packaging information that will provide information to the consumer regarding the food products they purchase and eat.
How Can I Help?
We can work together to win our right to know about the genetic engineering of our food. Please join our cause for updates on our efforts. Like our Facebook RightToKnowColorado Page to learn about volunteer opportunities and ways to contribute to the movement.