Originally published August 15 2015
Why is Russia so much smarter than the U.S. when it comes to GMOs?
by J. D. Heyes
(NaturalNews) He may have a reputation internationally as a tough guy, but when it comes to the health of his people, Russian President Vladimir Putin is a softie.
But, as countless, shirtless photos of Russia's leader doing a variety of manly things have also proven, Putin is also into his health, which could be a major reason why he recently signed a measure into law requiring foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to be properly labeled.
As reported by Russia's ITAR-TASS News Agency (Russian language version) and Sustainable Pulse, the measure was submitted by the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Protection and Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor). It imposes stiff fines for any labels containing vague or unclear information regarding GMO contents in foods.
Sustainable Pulse further noted:
According to the bill, individual entrepreneurs could be fined up to 50,000 rubles ($890), and the products will be confiscated. Business entities face a fine of up to 150,000 rubles (over $5,300).
Does Putin care more for Russians than Obama and Congress for Americans?
The measure follows statements made by Putin in March 2014, in which he said Russia must protect its citizens from GMOs.
"We need to properly construct our work so that it is not contrary to our obligations under the WTO. But even with this in mind, we nevertheless have legitimate methods and instruments to protect our own market, and above all citizens," Putin said.
Putin emphasized that both citizens and the food industry should be shielded from products that are substandard, and that consumption of such products would cease once people saw the consequences.
"We can do it, should do it and will do it. It is not so long ago that this was discussed at the meeting of the Security Council," Putin continued. "We must act carefully to avoid prejudice to our obligations under the WTO, but it can be done."
The President of the Russian Federation added that it was important not to disregard science and research pertaining to GMOs.
"This is what we will do with the public, with experts, with senators, we will move in the direction of protecting our citizens," Putin added.
His statement was followed by one from former president and current Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, who said Russia was not intending to import GMOs, even though large amounts of GMO foods were still being imported into the country.
What does Putin know that we don't – or won't acknowledge?
Nikolai Fyodorov, Russia's Minister of Agriculture, said he believes the country should remain GMO-free. As reported by Sustainable Pulse, he said at a recent meeting of deputies from rural areas organized by United Russia that Moscow would not act to "poison" Russian citizens.
Earlier this year, a group of senators from Russia's Federation Council proposed legislation that would prohibit the distribution and importation of any product into Russia that contained GMOs.
Sustainable Pulse further reported:
According to the explanatory note attached to the bill, only 18 lines of GMOs are officially allowed in Russia at the moment. This is a far lower number than in other countries, as the Russian farming industry has long maintained extensive restrictions on the use of technology related to GMOs. The senators say that because of its WTO membership, Russian markets could import numerous genetically modified products from other countries, thereby destabilizing the situation.
Meanwhile, in the United States, any debates about GMO labeling are quickly dominated by mega-BioAg giant Monsanto, the world's biggest producer of genetically modified foods and major advertiser and campaign donor.
The few enclaves in the U.S. – such as Vermont, for example – where leaders and citizens have come together to require GMO labeling have been attacked in the realm of public opinion and in court, all in a bid to silence critics of GMOs and hide the truth that they are not the agricultural equivalent to a religious miracle.
In this one area, at least, Russia seems light years ahead of America.
Find other great articles about GMO Foods at GMOfood.news
Sources:
sustainablepulse.com
tass.ru
wholepharmacymag.com
sustainablepulse.com
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