Prop 37: Labeling Genetically Modified Foods
In November, California voters will decide whether or not to pass Prop 37, which forces food manufacturers to label or repackage food that’s been genetically modified in some way, shape or form. California isn’t the only state which has addressed this issue, though. Over a dozen other states have attempted to pass similar laws but failed in doing so. However, early voting results are showing a more than favorable outcome for Prop 37 to pass. To learn more about this new proposition and how it could affect the food industry both in California and throughout the country, keep reading.
What is Prop 37?
If passed, Prop 37 would make it illegal for food manufacturers and distributors to sell genetically modified food without labeling or repackaging them. Even if the food was imported in from another state or country, it would have to be specifically labeled before a company could sell it. While this sounds fine on paper, many people against the proposition believe it’s simply a tool used by lawyers to seek future lawsuits.
Prop 37 Concerns
The greatest concern among Prop 37 is the direct link to an increase in groceries and food items throughout the state. Because manufacturers and food companies will be forced to repackage and add special labels to their products, prices will go up at the supermarket. It may not be a significantly higher amount, but you can bet it will be enough to affect those working on low incomes.
Another concern among Prop 37 is the opening of legal loop-holes. If an individual were to claim his or her illness was a result of a food being improperly packaged, a legal team could possibly win a lawsuit against the manufacturer. This would bog the court systems down with unnecessary claims and lawsuits, placing the bill on the Californian taxpayers.
The fact is that millions of Americans eat genetically modified food everyday. Whether it’s beef with added hormones or pesticide residue that lingers into our vegetables, it’s there and we eat it. This may seem concerning to some, but scientists have been performing rigorous tests and studies to determine what, if any, health problems arise from consuming genetically modified food products. So far, they have not been able to link a single illness to the consumption of such food products. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently came out to state that genetically modified foods are completely safe to eat.