Initiative 522 perpetuates faulty myths about GMO food | Opinion Northwest | Seattle Times
I eat organic or all-natural food as much as possible. I read labels. I buy local.
I also choose to believe mainstream, peer-reviewed science — which so far shows genetically engineered (GE or GMO) food is not harmful to our health. This lack of evidence is the chief reason for The Seattle Times’ Monday editorial expressing skepticism over Initiative 522, the ballot measure that would mandate GMO labeling. The Washington Legislature is in the midst of considering whether to amend the measure or to send it to the ballot as-is. (The editorial board supports the latter option. To hear different sides of the issue, watch TVW’s video of the two-hour public hearing on Feb. 14 in the Senate Agriculture, Water, & Rural Economic Development Committee.)
Trust me, this is a hard pill for me to swallow. Over the years, my concerns about our food system have been informed by acclaimed documentaries like “Food, Inc.” and thoughtful food writers like Michael Pollan. Like so many others, I viewed GMO crops as the unnatural, unregulated creation of a few biotech giants like Monsanto. The narrative was simple: Big Food is the bad guy. Of course, the truth is more nuanced.
Washington is one of several states considering GMO labeling standards after Californians voted down a similar measure in 2012. We need more independent research on the long-term effects of consuming genetically modified food — and these studies should not be bankrolled by groups representing competing special interests.
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