GMO in the Know – October 11th, 2013

A wrap-up of GMO-related headlines and developments.

Changing Labels Won’t Increase Food Prices

Just Label It’s executive director, Scott Faber, shares insight into what drives the cost of food, and how labeling of genetically engineered ingredients will not increase food prices paid by consumers. “Adding the words ‘may contain genetically engineered ingredients’ will add as much to the cost of making food as adding the words “can help reduce cholesterol’ – nothing.” 

Greens Ask U.S. Firms to Sit Out Food Labeling Vote

A month before election day, environmentalists urged biotechnology companies and a food industry group to stop pouring money into a campaign against a proposed food-labeling law in Washington state. Opponents have donated $17 million to defeat the referendum, which if passed, would require special labels on raw and processed foods made from genetically engineered crops. It is the largest amount ever raised against a ballot initiative in the state.

The Battle Lines On Food Labeling

Washington state voters look ready to deliver the country’s first mandatory GMO labeling law with no strings attached early next month. But the food and biotechnology industries are far from giving up in their battle against labeling requirements for food containing genetically modified organisms, and, infact, have several more arrows in their quill – including a bill to preempt all state laws.

National Cooperative Grocers Association Helps Raise $75,000 for GE Labeling

Throughout October, in honor of “Non-GMO Month”, the National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA) is partnering with food manufacturers to raise more than $75,000 in a special cause promotion for Just Label It. Representing 134 food co-ops in 36 states, NCGA has been working for years on a national level to ensure food labels provide consumers with information about what’s in their food and where it comes from.