This is Me
Joan Idzior
Pol 103W
29 October 2012
National Article Summary Should there be labels put on all food containing genetically modified ingredients? The state of California is proposing this measure in the coming election. The law will be appearing on their ballots, this November 6th, making them the first state to directly address this major food issue with action. This proposal has caused a stir among those who support and those who oppose this measure. Under this law, all genitally modified food would be required to be labeled as such. The exceptions include meat, milk, and alcohol products, and foods sold in restaurants. Genetically modified food or genetically modified organisms are plants or animals that have had their genetic material changed, using genetic engineering techniques. When modified they develop genes that make them the ultimate crop or organism, so their production is easier and cheaper, on producers. It is estimated that around 40% to 75% of processed foods contain some sort of genetically engineered ingredients. Also, “…95% of U.S. sugar beets, 94% of soybeans, 90% of cotton and 88% of feed corn are genetically modified” (article).
If passes, this law would change much of the way food companies make and ship their products. Companies will have to label a lot of what they make or reformulate their products to extract all the genetically engineered ingredients. Because companies ship their products regionally and nationally, this measure will affect many other states, possibly causing a chain reaction to advocate change for this issue.
Those who support this proposal feel that it is only ethical to allow consumers the knowledge they need to make informed decisions regarding their food choice. They see it as possibly even a threat to the consumers health, with some studies on mice and rats indicatingg negative effects.
Pol 103W
29 October 2012
National Article Summary Should there be labels put on all food containing genetically modified ingredients? The state of California is proposing this measure in the coming election. The law will be appearing on their ballots, this November 6th, making them the first state to directly address this major food issue with action. This proposal has caused a stir among those who support and those who oppose this measure. Under this law, all genitally modified food would be required to be labeled as such. The exceptions include meat, milk, and alcohol products, and foods sold in restaurants. Genetically modified food or genetically modified organisms are plants or animals that have had their genetic material changed, using genetic engineering techniques. When modified they develop genes that make them the ultimate crop or organism, so their production is easier and cheaper, on producers. It is estimated that around 40% to 75% of processed foods contain some sort of genetically engineered ingredients. Also, “…95% of U.S. sugar beets, 94% of soybeans, 90% of cotton and 88% of feed corn are genetically modified” (article).
If passes, this law would change much of the way food companies make and ship their products. Companies will have to label a lot of what they make or reformulate their products to extract all the genetically engineered ingredients. Because companies ship their products regionally and nationally, this measure will affect many other states, possibly causing a chain reaction to advocate change for this issue.
Those who support this proposal feel that it is only ethical to allow consumers the knowledge they need to make informed decisions regarding their food choice. They see it as possibly even a threat to the consumers health, with some studies on mice and rats indicatingg negative effects.