Posted August 22, 2014
Colorado’s secretary of state has announced that the requirement of labeling genetically modified (GMO) foods will be on the November ballot, according to a Washington Post article by Niraj Choski available here. The Denver Post also published an article available hereand Reuters here.
Proposition 105 submitted almost 40,000 more valid signatures than the required 86,105.
The proposition asks voters if genetically modified foods should be labeled “Produced With Genetic Engineering” effective July 1, 2016, according to Denver Post.
Foods from animals that have not been genetically modified but have been fed or injected with genetically modified food or drugs are exempt, as are unpackaged foods for immediate consumption, alcoholic beverages, food for animals and medically prescribed foods.
GMO crop developers and their supporters have stated that genetically modified crops are proven safe, however, consumers are still skeptical of their safety.
Recently, Vermont became the first state to mandate GMO labeling, but the state was sued a month later by industry groups.
Oregon will also have a GMO labeling initiative on the November ballot.
Right to Know Colorado was a major campaign contributor in favor of the initiative.
“If GMOs are safe, as companies say, then why not label them on food?” Right to Know Colorado campaign Chair Larry Cooper said on Thursday.
Other parties are worried about the high costs associated with the change, according to Denver Post.
“Proposition 105 will absolutely raise food prices to the tune of hundreds of dollars per year for a family of four,”said Sara Froelich, spokeswoman for the Colorado-based Coalition Against the Misleading Labeling Initiative. “We have a broad coalition who are very concerned about Proposition 105.”
For more information on food labeling, please visit the National Agricultural Law Center’s website here.
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