Proposition 37, a California ballot initiative, triggered nationwide debate on whether special labels should accompany foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Although the initiative was defeated, Californians haven’t given up on GMO labeling.
The Golden State recently came close to placing a GMO labeling law on the books. Last month, Senate Bill 1381 received 19 votes, two shy of those needed to pass, according to the Center for Food Safety.
Advocates of GMO labeling should thank California for its efforts. Proposition 37, in spite of failing at the polls, emboldened states across the country to consider adopting similar measures through ballot initiatives and legislation. Were it not for Prop 37, a state on the other side of the country from California (Vermont) may not have passed the nation’s first no-strings-attached GMO labeling law.
GMO labeling advocates in California are dogged and zealous. “That SB 1381 came so close to passage in the face of a massive industry lobby is a testament to the passion and dedication of those advocating for the right to know in California," declared Rebecca Spector, West Coast Director at Center for Food Safety, in a statement May 29.
A coalition of organizations, businesses and networks is trying to stay positive and has vowed to continue fighting for GMO labels despite the recent Senate vote. Monsanto Company, the Grocery Manufacturers Association and other opponents of SB 1381 should hold off on celebrating their victory and brace for what is likely to be years of vigorous debate in state capitols.
“Let's not be too disheartened....We moved mountains in a VERY short time in a capitol where no one thought we'd even get an author for the bill," Californians for GE Food Labeling declared on its website. “We've built new alliances and educated more people - particularly the legislators."
“We won't stop now," the coalition added.
The Golden State recently came close to placing a GMO labeling law on the books. Last month, Senate Bill 1381 received 19 votes, two shy of those needed to pass, according to the Center for Food Safety.
Advocates of GMO labeling should thank California for its efforts. Proposition 37, in spite of failing at the polls, emboldened states across the country to consider adopting similar measures through ballot initiatives and legislation. Were it not for Prop 37, a state on the other side of the country from California (Vermont) may not have passed the nation’s first no-strings-attached GMO labeling law.
GMO labeling advocates in California are dogged and zealous. “That SB 1381 came so close to passage in the face of a massive industry lobby is a testament to the passion and dedication of those advocating for the right to know in California," declared Rebecca Spector, West Coast Director at Center for Food Safety, in a statement May 29.
A coalition of organizations, businesses and networks is trying to stay positive and has vowed to continue fighting for GMO labels despite the recent Senate vote. Monsanto Company, the Grocery Manufacturers Association and other opponents of SB 1381 should hold off on celebrating their victory and brace for what is likely to be years of vigorous debate in state capitols.
“Let's not be too disheartened....We moved mountains in a VERY short time in a capitol where no one thought we'd even get an author for the bill," Californians for GE Food Labeling declared on its website. “We've built new alliances and educated more people - particularly the legislators."
“We won't stop now," the coalition added.
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