If genetically engineered crops and foods are so wonderful, why aren’t they labeled?

In 2001, an ABC news poll study showed that 93 percent of Americans want labeling of GE foods. In 2002, an Oregon ballot initiative requiring statewide labeling was defeated by a coalition of major chemical and food corporations. This coalition spent $5.5 million to defeat the labeling initiative. Why?

Several reasons. These corporations know that if there is no labeling, there is no traceability. If someone gets sick or has an allergic reaction from a genetically engineered ingredient, they cannot trace the source of the problem … allowing the corporations to say that there are “no known health problems� with these new foods.

The other reason corporations fight so hard against labeling is that poll after poll shows people don’t want these products in their food. Do you want to eat something that is registered with the EPA as a pesticide? I sure don’t!

Noah Smukler

Morro Bay