Whose Right Is It Anyway?

In 1973 the food industry successfully overturned the imitation rule which stated “ … there are certain traditional foods that everyone knows, such as bread, milk and cheese, and that when consumers buy these foods, they should get the foods they are expecting … [and] if a food resembles a standardized food but does not comply with the standard, that food must be labeled as an ‘imitation.’ ” They got it tossed out because, and understandably so, the word ‘imitation’ on a label meant the kiss of death.

One of the outcomes of this little known but significant step is the more than 17,000 food products, brought to market every year. That’s a staggering number. This explosion of food products (notice we’re saying food products not food) has landed predominantly in the center of the grocery store full of imitation who knows what, additives, preservatives, chemicals, and all other ingredients but real food. Read Michael Pollan’s In Defense of Food.

Now the American food industry wants to continue down that path and genetically modify our food without having to let us know. This year's election gives Californians a chance to let our voice be heard. According to LATimes.com, Proposition 37 requires “food manufacturers and retailers to label fresh produce and processed foods that contain genetically engineered ingredients.”

According to Dr. Mercola, “the greatest opportunity to give people the right to know if their food is genetically engineered will occur with the California ballot initiative—officially known as Proposition 37—which is coming up for vote on Nov. 6. Proposition 37 requires labeling of genetically engineered foods and will end the routine industry practice of labeling and marketing such foods as ‘natural.’”

With a few weeks until Election Day, this proposition has strong momentum and support. But it’s so critical to take it to the polls and vote. There are huge companies opposing the proposition ~ Monsanto, DuPont, Coke, Pepsi, Bayer to mention a few. These are not companies on my list as for caring about my health or having my best interests in mind.

It’s no surprise many Californians are supporting their right to know regarding genetically modified foods. Links have been found between genetically modified foods and organ damage, allergies and other health problems in children. According to CARightToKnow.com, “Even though genetically engineered foods have been on the market for more than 15 years, the first long-term, peer reviewed health study on GMO corn was just released – linking GMO corn to mammary tumors, kidney and liver problems and premature death.”

Genetically modified foods can also lead to serious environmental problems, which have been well documented. As the amount of genetically engineered crops has increased, there has been a loss in bio-diversity and an increase in pesticide usage. Many “super weeds and super bugs” now threaten acres of farmland. Genetically engineered foods can also lead to the unintentional contamination of organic and non-GMO crops.

To get more information on Proposition 37, visit www.CARightToKnow.org.

This Election Day you can make your voice heard. If you don’t want to stand for the status quo, vote YES on Proposition 37.