From the Desk of Lance Haver, Director of Civic Engagement for Philadelphia City Council:
On September 17th, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown introduced a resolution calling on Pennsylvania’s United States Senators to vote against a bill that would preempt state governments from requiring labeling of Genetically Modified Organisms, commonly known as GMOs. We are asking you to join her in letting our U.S. Senators know that you believe consumers have a right to know what is in their food.
Many of the foods we eat contain GMOs despite the fact the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t require any safety assessment of genetically engineered crops. Vermont has passed legislation that would require food to be labeled so consumers can decide for themselves if they want to eat food containing GMOs. Other states are now considering doing so as well.
“GMO labeling is mandatory in more than 60 countries but not in the U.S. Opponents to mandatory labeling here often say that it unfairly implies that foods with genetically engineered ingredients are unsafe. Those in favor of mandatory labels—including Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports—argue that even if the jury is still out on the health impact of GMOs, shoppers have a right to know what’s in their food. “Producers already must label foods that are frozen, from concentrate, homogenized, or irradiated,” says Jean Halloran, director of food-policy initiatives at Consumers Union. “GMO labeling is one more piece of helpful information.” (from Consumer Reports)
Do you believe you should have the right to choose GMO-free food? Should the federal government stop states from requiring food to be labeled?
Some of the food and chemical companies will be asking our Senators to preempt states from requiring labels despite the fact that two thirds of Americans support GMO labels. If you believe you have the right to know what is in your food and what your food is made from, please contact our Senators using this form.
Councilwoman Reynolds Brown’s resolution will be voted on by City Council on Thursday, October 1. The Stated Meeting of City Council will start at 10:00 am in Room 400 of City Hall. Please join us to support this effort.
