Controversy has exploded over whether genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are harmful to human health and has spurred political action that requires companies to be transparent about what is in their food by labeling products that are made with GMOs.
Initiative-522 will be on the general election ballot Nov. 5, requiring all GMO foods to be clearly labeled.
Adrienne Battis, outreach manager at the Community Food Co-op, says that while the natural food grocer has no political opinion on whether or not GMOs are harmful, it has taken a strong stance to vote “Yes” on the initiative.
“The stance that we’ve taken is that everybody has the right to know what they eat. Just like how we tell people if there’s gluten in their food, or if they want to eat meat or not eat meat,” Battis said. “We think that people have the right to know.”
Battis said two other states, Connecticut and Maine, passed laws stating that all produce with GMO ingredients must be clearly labeled.
However, their laws will not go into effect until three more states join their political action to require transparent labeling.
If I-522 passes, Battis said Washington would be the first state to put the law into effect within 18 months of passing, and nearly half of U.S. states have put GMO labeling on their ballots.
“Eventually, with enough states saying that it’s required, it shows nationally that people want to know what’s in their food,” Battis said.
A series of events will occur during October., which has been stamped as “non-GMO month”, and will provide consumers and voters with information regarding GMOs before the upcoming election.
Nutritionist, Tom Malterre will present the most recent research about genetically modified foods and what they are on Monday, Oct. 7, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cordata Community Food Co-op. Anyone interested in this free event can register online or at the Co-op service desk.
If you’re still on the fence about GMO labeling or would like more information there is a list of events on the Community Food Co-op website.
Be informed, get the facts and decide for yourself.
Election ballots will be distributed Oct. 17 and must be mailed in no later than Nov. 5 to be counted.
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