It is not ever day that Californians have the chance to pave the way for the United States in food policy. In the upcoming elections it is up to us to speak up for consumers, the environment, health, safety and most importantly, future generations by supporting Proposition 37. On November 6th, Californians will decide if we’re done being kept in the dark by biotech corporations and junk food companies, and are ready to demand information about what we are eating . Proposition 37 is a simple, common sense initiative started by grassroots volunteers like myself who are concerned about the food we eat and how it is derived by genetic engineering.
Genetic engineering is the forceful insertion of genes from a foreign organism into another species. A prevalent example is BT corn, created by taking a toxin gene from the microorganism Bacillus thuringiensis and forcing it into the DNA of maize. What is the effect of this frankenstein experiment? The corn is enabled to synthesize its own pesticides. These pesticides cannot simply be washed off of the corn though, they are actually inside the corn’s DNA. When bugs eat a small amout of this BT corn it causes their stomach linings to explode, human effects have never been studied . BT corn has been linked to the phenomena of colony collapse disorder in bee populations. What effects are genetically engineered crops having on humans? Dow and Monsanto, two biotech companies, have a history of lying about their product safety, notably DDT and Agent Orange, and they are doing it again by promoting genetically engineered foods.
Little to no safety testing was done when genetically engineered crops were introduced into the food supply in 1994, and to this day there is a frighteningly low amount of scientific data on the crops. Last month, a French study came out linking genetically engineered soy to tumors and premature death in rats, yet still no studies of genetically engineered foods have been conducted in the United States. While the FDA blindly decided these products were safe for human consumption, leaving consumers unable to opt-out of this bio-experiment, over 40 countries, including the European Union, India, Russia, Brazil, Australia, Japan and even China have required labeling of genetically engineered food products.
Propositions 37 simply requires a few extra words to be printed onto any product which contains genetically engineered ingredients. It is simple and straightforward, and companies will have over 18 months to comply with the new law. Companies are always changing their labels, therefore the new law will come at no additional cost to Californians. It is our responsibility to be informed consumers. We have a right to make our own choices about what we are eating and feeding our children. Why are American being left in the dark about such an important issue? Please join millions of Californians in voting Yes on Proposition 37, to label genetically engineered foods.
http://CArightoknow.org
