Anti-Labeling Companies Revealed to Washington State Residents

Residents in Washington State now know the companies who have been giving millions to the big food lobby group, Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), to fight an initiative in their state that would require labeling of genetically engineered (GE) food.

Under pressure from a recent lawsuit filed by the state’s Attorney General, GMA has chosen to publicly reveal a list of its members who have donated to the No on 522 campaign, including familiar brands such as Pepsi, Kellogg’s, Coca-Cola, and General Mills.

“As residents in Washington State cast their votes, they’ll now be armed with more information about who has been fighting to defeat the GE labeling initiative in their state,” said JLI’s Executive Director Scott Faber. “We are happy to see GMA take the necessary steps to improve transparency in this debate.”

According to reports, there were 34 companies who contributed to the $7.2 million spent fighting GE labeling in Washington state.

“It’s no surprise to learn that the same companies who fought GE labeling in California are behind the No on I-522 campaign in Washington State,” said Faber. “These companies should take full responsibility for hiding behind GMA and defend their position against denying consumers’ their right to know what’s in their food.”

Residents in Washington State will begin casting their votes on Friday on I-522, which would require food manufacturers who use GE ingredients to label their products.

To see a full list of brands fighting transparency, click here.