Originally published October 30 2014
Organic and 'natural' brands owned by big corporations funnel millions of dollars into anti-GMO-labeling campaign
by Julie Wilson staff writer
(NaturalNews) California's Proposition 37, an initiative proposed in 2012 that would've required the mandatory labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), set the precedent for other states attempting to pass similar legislation.
Prop 37 failed because of illegal, unethical and snake-like tactics carried out by the biotech industry, not because people didn't want it. Even though it failed, the people still won, because it drew massive awareness and support to the issue of the Right To Know what's in our food.
Since then, more than 60 bills in 20 states have introduced GMO-labeling laws! Two more states will be added to that list this year, with Colorado and Oregon considering measures to require GMO labeling. Voters in both states will get the chance to vote "yes" or "no" on this November's ballot, according to a report by PBS.
Colorado and Oregon are the next states to try passing mandatory GMO-labeling laws
In Colorado, 19 voters sat on a citizen review panel tasked with hearing both sides on the matter. After three days of debate, the panel voted 11 to nine in favor of labeling GMOs.
Oregon didn't have such luck. Citizens on a similar panel voted the opposite way, 11 to nine opposing labeling, with some commenting that such a measure is unnecessary if GMOs pose no risk to the public. Unfortunately, the Oregonians must have not done their research.
For those of us who have, we know that GMOs have not been proven safe. In fact, multiple studies support the theory that consuming genetically engineered food causes adverse health effects in humans.
While eating organic is essential for a healthy lifestyle, purchasing organic food from brands that support the Right To Know what's in your food is equally as important.
Unfortunately for the consumer, keeping up with the brands that support GMO labeling isn't easy, especially when some of our favorite organic brands, such as Annie's, have been bought out by corporations that want nothing but to harm us with their toxic food products (Annie's was recently bought out by General Mills).
Opposition to GMO-labeling is spearheaded by Monsanto, a company that relies on misleading you about the presence of GMOs in their products. DuPont, Dow and the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), a national business lobbying association, accompany them in their plight to hide the presence of GMOs from their customers.
Learn which brands to buy and which ones to divorce
"Many consumers will likely be surprised to learn that owners and management of some of their favorite organic and natural brands are fighting against the right of consumers to know what is in their food," said Mark Kastel, co-director of The Cornucopia Institute, a farm policy research group.
"We want to spotlight this issue so that consumers can vote in the marketplace for manufacturers and brands that reflect their personal values."
Nature's Path, America's largest organic breakfast foods provider, is an excellent brand to purchase, as they actively promote and fund the Right To Know campaign.
"Nature's Path USA has supported citizens' fundamental right to know if their food contains GMOs, with a simple label declaration. Then they can choose whether or not they want to buy it," said Arran Stephens, the company's CEO and cofounder.
Another great brand to support is Bob's Red Mill, a company that's donated $715,000 to states' Right To Know campaigns. Other pro-GMO labeling brands include Amy's, Applegate, Organically Grown Co., Nutiva, Clif Bar, So Delicious, Lundberg Family Farms and Back to Nature, among many others.
Some companies you may have thought were moral but are secretly funding anti-GMO-labeling laws include Horizon Organic, Silk, Ocean Spray, Sweet Leaf Tea, Naked, Santa Cruz Organic and Kashi.
Here is a complete list of companies for and against GMO labeling. Print a couple out, perhaps keeping one on your fridge and one in your wallet to serve as a reminder for who to support the next time you vote with your dollars.
Sources:
http://www.cornucopia.org
http://www.cornucopia.org
http://www.righttoknowcolorado.org
http://www.pbs.org
http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org
http://www.carighttoknow.org
http://www.huffingtonpost.com
http://www.nongmoproject.org
http://science.naturalnews.com
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