The following is an edited excerpt.
Consumers absolutely have a right to know what they are eating is safe, but Initiative 522’s purpose of singling out genetically engineered foods for labeling isn’t the answer to our health questions.
Under I-522, labeling would apply to seeds and food products sold in the state — with the exception of restaurant entrees, medical meals, alcohol, meat and dairy. Common grocery items like cereal and snacks would be affected because they contain sugar beets, soybeans or corn. These are the most common genetically engineered crops in the U.S., but by the time they’re processed, studies conclude they’re identical to non-GMO products.
Well-meaning consumers say they want more freedom of choice. With I-522, they may end up with less. Just look at European Union countries where producers are using higher-priced ingredients to avoid even the potential stigma of a mandatory GMO label.
View the original article here: Editorial: Be skeptical of Initiative 522 on GMO labelingBe skeptical of Initiative 522 on GMO labeling
