"Moms for Labeling" File Lawsuit Seeking Labeling of Contributions to Anti-Labeling Campaign | Slog

"Moms for Labeling" File Lawsuit Seeking Labeling of Contributions to Anti-Labeling Campaign | Slog:

• FUSE
• Concerned moms demand full disclosure of corporate donations to No on I-522 capaign.

A not-for-profit group calling itself Moms for Labeling filed a complaint (pdf) today in Thurston County Superior Court alleging that the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and the No on I-522 campaign are hiding campaign donors. A judge quickly granted an expedited request to begin taking depositions, skipping the usual 30-day waiting period.

The plaintiffs allege that that the GMA solicited from members—major food manufacturers—a special voluntary assessment to be earmarked toward defeating I-522, an initiative that would require labeling of foods made from ingredients derived from genetically modified crops (GMOs). Under Washington State law, such earmarking of solicitations for political purposes would automatically classify the GMA as a political action committee (PAC), with all the disclosure and reporting requirements that would entail. The lawsuit alleges that the GMA has failed to file as a PAC as required by law, and has failed to disclose its donors.