California Proposition 37, Mandatory Labeling of Genetically Engineered Food (2012)

Proposition 37, a Mandatory Labeling of Genetically Engineered Food Initiative, was on the November 6, 2012 ballot in California as an initiated state statute, where it was defeated.[1],[2]

 If Proposition 37 had been approved, it would have:

• Required labeling on raw or processed food offered for sale to consumers if the food is made from plants or animals with genetic material changed in specified ways. 
• Prohibited labeling or advertising such food as "natural." 
• Exempted from this requirement foods that are "certified organic; unintentionally produced with genetically engineered material; made from animals fed or injected with genetically engineered material but not genetically engineered themselves; processed with or containing only small amounts of genetically engineered ingredients; administered for treatment of medical conditions; sold for immediate consumption such as in a restaurant; or alcoholic beverages.

James Wheaton, who filed the ballot language for the initiative, called it "The California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act.


Supporters:

• "California Right to Know"/Yes on 37 website
• "Yes on 37" on Facebook
• "Yes on 37" on Twitter
• "Yes on 37" campaign finance disclosures
• Organic Consumer's Association "Yes on 37" campaign finance disclosures
• "Yes on 37 Lake County" campaign finance disclosures

Opponents:

• "No on Prop 37" website
• "No on Prop 37" on Facebook
• "No on Prop 37" on Twitter
• "No on Prop 37" campaign finance disclosures

Additional reading:

• Why PepsiCo Is Fighting GMO Labeling in California
• The Mercenary Intent Behind Proposition 37's GM Food Labeling
• Is Team Organic Outspending Team Big Ag in the GMO Labeling Fight?
• Big-food company bucks make Prop. 37 unpredictable