By Kristina Kalolo, FALPC Intern
Two Massachusetts legislative committees are considering five bills that would require the labeling of GMOs (genetically modified organisms). Essentially, these bills would require the words “genetically engineered” to be present on the front of packaging and that processed foods would say “partially produced with genetic engineering” (approximately 75 percent of processed foods are made with GMOs). Among other stipulations, it would also prevent the labeling of GMO foods as “natural”.
These bills are a call for honesty, transparency, and upholding the public’s “Right to Know” what they are consuming. It would also put Massachusetts in the company of 64 countries that either ban or require the labeling of GMOs (the United States and Canada are the only two industrialized countries who have not done so). With over 90 percent of Americans saying they want labeling, there is additional pressure on Massachusetts after Connecticut recently passed historic GMO labeling bill HB6527. Specifically, it has a “trigger clause” that would not put the bill into effect until at least four other states passed similar legislation, including one bordering state.
Those opposed to labeling often cite the United State’s Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). These groups have made statements on behalf of the health and safety of GMOs despite any studies that have proven their long-term effects. These bills would allow the public to make more informed decisions about what they are eating and is likely to enhance support for small farms and farmers in Massachusetts.
The Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture will decide the fate of H.808 “An act relative to the labeling of genetically engineered foods” and H.813 “An act relative to the labeling of seed”. The Joint Committee on Public Health will address three labeling bills, H.2093 “The Right to Know Act”, H.2037 “An act to establish guidelines for genetically engineered food”, and H.1936.
If you are interested and want to become involved, find out more about ways you can defend Masschusetts’ “Right to Know” here.
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