We All Have a Right to Know What's in Our Food

Consumers have a right to know what's in the food we eat and feed our children, including whether food is genetically engineered. We all should be able to make informed choices, and have the ability to choose whether to buy genetically engineered food or not.

We Currently Eat Genetically Engineered Food, But We Don't Know It

A genetically engineered (GE) food is a plant or meat product that has had its DNA artificially altered by genes from other plants, animals, viruses, or bacteria, in order to produce foreign compounds in that food. This type of genetic alteration is not found in nature. Today, the majority of corn and soy grown in the U.S. is genetically engineered to produce pesticide and/or withstand high doses of weed killer. This corn and soy is found in countless processed foods such as cereals, baby foods, breads, chips, and many other products. FDA is currently considering approving a GE salmon that has been altered to promote faster growth. Some of our most important staple food crops are being fundamentally altered, but without proper labeling, we have no way of knowing which ones.

The Risk of Genetically Engineered Foods

Unlike the strict safety evaluations required for the approval of new drugs, the safety of genetically engineered foods for human consumption is not adequately tested. Studies show that genetically engineering food can create new, unintended toxicants and increase allergens, and other health problems. Experts around the world agree that by labeling genetically engineered food, we can help identify any adverse health reactions that these foods may cause.

Much of the World Already Requires Labeling for Genetically Engineered Foods

50 countries including the European Union, Japan and China already label genetically engineered foods. California should be the leader on this important issue here in the United States.

A Simple Proposition for California in 2012

The California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act is simple: The initiative would require food sold in retail outlets such as grocery stores (not including restaurants) to be labeled if it is produced with genetic engineering. In addition to this disclosure, genetically engineered foods are prohibited from being advertised as 'natural.'

More Information for Consumers

We didn't used to label foods with calorie, nutritional value, or allergen information, but we do now, and most consumers use this information every day to make informed choices in the supermarket. The California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act simply requires food producers to identify foods which have been genetically engineered on the label.

No Cost to Consumers or Food Producers

The California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act is intended to have no cost impact on consumers or food producers. It simply requires that foods produced with genetic engineering be disclosed on food packaging or labels on store shelves for GE foods such as sweet corn or salmon.

How You Can Help

In order to get The Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act on the ballot in California in 2012, we will need to collect signatures from 800,000 California voters. Sign up to get involved in our signature gathering efforts and learn more about the campaign at www.carighttoknow.org