Concerned Citizens

Public Demands GMO Food Labeling

A campaign by Just Label It (JustLabelIt.org), a national coalition of 500 diverse organizations dedicated to the mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE) or modified organism (GMO) foods, has united 1 million Americans of all political affiliations to demand that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) require the practice.

“Pink slime, deadly melons, tainted turkeys and BPA in our soup have put us all on notice that what we eat and feed our families is critically important,” says Ken Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group. “Americans overwhelmingly demand safety, transparency and labeling of genetically engineered foods. It’s time for the FDA to come clean and restore public confidence in our food system.”

According to a political opinion survey conducted by The Mellman Group, pollster Mark Mellman explains, “Few topics other than motherhood and apple pie can muster over 90 percent support, but labeling of GE foods is one of those few views that are held almost unanimously.”

Colorado author Robyn O’Brien, founder of the AllergyKids Foundation, remarks, “Americans want more information for their families. Like allergen labeling, GE food labels would provide essential and possibly life-saving information for anyone with a food allergy.”

This article appears in the June 2012 issue of the East Michigan Natural Awakenings.