Citizens' Resolution To Label GMO Food
WHEREAS, lack of labeling denies health professionals the ability to trace potential toxic or allergic reactions to [1], and other potential diseases from [2], [3], genetically engineered food; and
WHEREAS, people need to be aware of the contents of their food [4], just as the need to be aware of the risks, benefits and alternatives to medical and surgical treatment is recognized and provided for by the doctrine of informed consent; and
WHEREAS, many public health and consumer groups are concerned that genetically modified crops have already contaminated native and related species, and that transgenic seeds can be spread nationwide, contaminating organic and conventional crops, creating an adventitious presence in the food supply [5]; and
WHEREAS, 40 countries require labeling of genetically engineered food, including the European Union, Australia, Japan, Russia, China, New Zealand, Brazil and South Africa [6]; and
WHEREAS, the American Nurses Association has passed a resolution supporting the labeling of genetically engineered food [7]; and
WHEREAS, the American Public Health Association has recommended the labeling of any food products that contain genetically modified organisms [8]; and
WHEREAS, the British Medical Association has called for the labeling of genetically engineered food [9]; and
WHEREAS, The Irish Medical Organization has requested the Minister of Health and Children to provide funding to establish the implications of genetically engineered food on human health [10]; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has issued warnings on the use of antibiotic marker genes in genetically engineered food [11]; and
WHEREAS, Catholic Healthcare West (a network of 41 hospitals and 10,000 physicians) avoids genetically engineered food and advocates for public policies that include the labeling of genetically engineered food [12]; and
WHEREAS, major U.S. food producers currently label genetically engineered food that they sell to overseas markets [13]; and
WHEREAS, surveys of the U.S. public consistently show overwhelming support for the labeling of genetically modified food [14], [15];
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we declare our support for passing Federal legislation requiring the mandatory labeling of all genetically modified food sold in the United States.
[1] Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods by Jeffrey M. Smith, published by Chelsea Green January 31, 2007.
[2] http://www.i-sis.org.uk/MON810gmMaizeMiceImmuneSystem.php
[3] http://www.organicconsumers.org/ge/britmedical.cfm
[4] "A Pediatrician Speaks Out," Interview with Martha Herbert, M.D., Ph.D.Your Right to Know: Genetic Engineering and the Secret Changes in Your Food; by Andrew Kimbrell; Earth Aware Editions published February 8, 2007; pp. 18-19
[5] http://www.noharm.org/details.cfm?ID=1104&type=document
[6] Your Right to Know: Genetic Engineering and the Secret Changes in Your Food; by Andrew Kimbrell; Earth Aware Editions published February 8, 2007; pp. 116-117
[7]http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/OccupationalandEnvironmental/environmentalhealth/PolicyIssues/HealthyFoodinHealthCare.aspx
[8] http://www.apha.org/advocacy/policy/policysearch/default.htm?id=1361
[9] http://www.organicconsumers.org/ge/britmedical.cfm
[10] Motion passed in 2002 namely: "In view of the absence of any epidemiological studies detailing the effects of genetically engineered foods on human health, this AGM requests the Minister for Health and Children provide funding for the establishment of a group to establish the implications of genetically engineered food." Elizabeth Cullen M.D., Secretary, Irish Doctors Environmental Association
[11]http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/en/ec_june2000_en.pdf
[12]http://www.chwhealth.org/stellent/groups/public/@xinternet_con_sys/documents/webcontent/194274.pdf
[13] http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/assets/crs/RS20507.pdf
[14] May 2008 poll by CBS. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/05/11/eveningnews/main4086518.shtml
[15] Americans and GM Food: Knowledge, Opinion and Interest in 2004; Food Policy Institute, Cook College - Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; Publication number RR-1104-007
WHEREAS, lack of labeling denies health professionals the ability to trace potential toxic or allergic reactions to [1], and other potential diseases from [2], [3], genetically engineered food; and
WHEREAS, people need to be aware of the contents of their food [4], just as the need to be aware of the risks, benefits and alternatives to medical and surgical treatment is recognized and provided for by the doctrine of informed consent; and
WHEREAS, many public health and consumer groups are concerned that genetically modified crops have already contaminated native and related species, and that transgenic seeds can be spread nationwide, contaminating organic and conventional crops, creating an adventitious presence in the food supply [5]; and
WHEREAS, 40 countries require labeling of genetically engineered food, including the European Union, Australia, Japan, Russia, China, New Zealand, Brazil and South Africa [6]; and
WHEREAS, the American Nurses Association has passed a resolution supporting the labeling of genetically engineered food [7]; and
WHEREAS, the American Public Health Association has recommended the labeling of any food products that contain genetically modified organisms [8]; and
WHEREAS, the British Medical Association has called for the labeling of genetically engineered food [9]; and
WHEREAS, The Irish Medical Organization has requested the Minister of Health and Children to provide funding to establish the implications of genetically engineered food on human health [10]; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has issued warnings on the use of antibiotic marker genes in genetically engineered food [11]; and
WHEREAS, Catholic Healthcare West (a network of 41 hospitals and 10,000 physicians) avoids genetically engineered food and advocates for public policies that include the labeling of genetically engineered food [12]; and
WHEREAS, major U.S. food producers currently label genetically engineered food that they sell to overseas markets [13]; and
WHEREAS, surveys of the U.S. public consistently show overwhelming support for the labeling of genetically modified food [14], [15];
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we declare our support for passing Federal legislation requiring the mandatory labeling of all genetically modified food sold in the United States.
[1] Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods by Jeffrey M. Smith, published by Chelsea Green January 31, 2007.
[2] http://www.i-sis.org.uk/MON810gmMaizeMiceImmuneSystem.php
[3] http://www.organicconsumers.org/ge/britmedical.cfm
[4] "A Pediatrician Speaks Out," Interview with Martha Herbert, M.D., Ph.D.Your Right to Know: Genetic Engineering and the Secret Changes in Your Food; by Andrew Kimbrell; Earth Aware Editions published February 8, 2007; pp. 18-19
[5] http://www.noharm.org/details.cfm?ID=1104&type=document
[6] Your Right to Know: Genetic Engineering and the Secret Changes in Your Food; by Andrew Kimbrell; Earth Aware Editions published February 8, 2007; pp. 116-117
[7]http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/OccupationalandEnvironmental/environmentalhealth/PolicyIssues/HealthyFoodinHealthCare.aspx
[8] http://www.apha.org/advocacy/policy/policysearch/default.htm?id=1361
[9] http://www.organicconsumers.org/ge/britmedical.cfm
[10] Motion passed in 2002 namely: "In view of the absence of any epidemiological studies detailing the effects of genetically engineered foods on human health, this AGM requests the Minister for Health and Children provide funding for the establishment of a group to establish the implications of genetically engineered food." Elizabeth Cullen M.D., Secretary, Irish Doctors Environmental Association
[11]http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/en/ec_june2000_en.pdf
[12]http://www.chwhealth.org/stellent/groups/public/@xinternet_con_sys/documents/webcontent/194274.pdf
[13] http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/assets/crs/RS20507.pdf
[14] May 2008 poll by CBS. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/05/11/eveningnews/main4086518.shtml
[15] Americans and GM Food: Knowledge, Opinion and Interest in 2004; Food Policy Institute, Cook College - Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; Publication number RR-1104-007
We the undersigned recognize that the Government's own statistic show that 9 out of 10 Americans want labeling of genetically engineered food.
Data is accumulating that indicates genetically engineered foods can damage human organ systems and produce allergic reactions.
The public is unaware that many foods contain genetically engineered ingredients, because these products have been exempted from food labeling requirements.
Mandatory labeling of genetically engineered food will help our health care professionals trace the diseases and allergens coming from these novel and untested foods.
Please show your support for the enactment of new legislation requiring the labeling of genetically engineered foods.
Such legislation will protect the public's health and safety by satisfying its need to know the content of food.
If we continue to produce genetically modified foods at the rate we are growing them now we may not be able to buy foods which do not contain them in the future. Natural cross pollination will occur and cause even organic foods will then contain these genetically engineered elements. This is not alarmist thinking, it is a clear progression of events which will occur, and then will these food giants own even wildflowers on the side of the road?
If I could say just one thing, it would be to ask for just a chance to be able to be aware of these foods that are bombarding our supermarkets by storm, in all products and foods. The opportunity to choose for myself and family! No one is sure of the real effects of these foods to our health or environment, and all I would like is the opportunity to choose for myself.
The fact that we are unable to make an informed decision about what we put in our bodies is shocking. Labeling GMO food is just as important as ingredients, nutrition information and organic certification. I have a right to know what is in my food. I have pledged to only buy local, organic produce that I am sure of the source until this GMO labeling becomes law.
Stop protecting corporations like Monsanto and start doing what is right. If these companies claim GMOs are safe then they should not be afraid to label their products!
Hey It's my Right to know. END OF STORY!
If I'm paying for something I wanna know what's in it.
We shouldn't have to even be signing this petition. This should not even be an issue in our country!!!! Get rid of gmo now!!!!
We pay for it, we definitely should have the right to know, to be informed!
label ALL GM foods NOW
I was disgusted to learn recently that a food I thought was safe from GE foods is not. I have consumed these products for years and have not been advised to how it will affect my body and my brain. I have a life long disease and it is imperative that I take care of my body. THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN THIS RIGHT AWAY FROM ME by not enforcing discloser that I have been consuming a line of products, advertised as healthy, that is actually Genetically Engineered. How dare you take the rights of people away, who read labels and put thought and effort into eating healthy, life promoting food so corrupt "officials" can fatten their wallets. Think back to the health of people and their body types from when you were young and then take a look around at your fellow Americans. Can you be so blind that you can not see what is happening to our food sources and our people? This is a country of freedom and choice and greed and turning a blind eye can not overshadow what generations of people have worked so hard for. What a disgrace to America and shame on all of those who allow this. You may say there is no evidence. Then push to allow the testing. Let's put labels on GE foods and begin to track what is happening to Americans. Should not the adamant fight to not label be a beacon of light that big food business has something to hide? I love the many organic products readily available now, but this is still for many elitist. Why can't all Americans have the CHOICE to eat healthy regardless of socioeconomics?
Yes, we have a right to know what is going into our food.For us and our children. Is there not enough additives already. Why is there so much ADHD don't you think it has to do with all the additives. Totally. What will the next generation face with GMO'S .....????
Please give us the choice on weather or not we buy GMO food. I have two kids and love them very much and we just don't know what effect this will have on them. Thank You
The only reason genetically modified foods were not subject to scientific research before their introduction into our food chain was because of politics and the USFDA’s decision to qualify cross-species, gene-splicing technology as “substantially equivalent” to traditional breeding techniques. There has lacked both science and public discussion of GMO’s. For the past year the entire sugar industry has changed their sugar beet crop to genetically modified seeds, capable of withstanding powerful herbicides. This represents an entire staple crop which removes consumer choice. It is shocking that the FDA has never developed binding federal rules to protect consumers from the food safety risks of genetically engineered foods. This can no longer be acceptable. Unlike crops from traditional breeding, genetically engineered crops contain antibiotic-resistant marker genes, viral promoters and foreign proteins never before consumed by humans. Yet the FDA relies on the very companies that have a financial interest in bringing these biotech crops to market to assess their safety, regardless of the absence of scientific study. I vow to work overtime passing this petition around until we not only reach our 50,000 signature goal, but far, far exceed it.
I feel the more information we have as citizens the better equipped we are to make decisions for our own health. Having this on the label will give people that power to make the right choices.
Many have noticed that a majority of US citizens have many health problems. While European people have far fewer medical needs.
People need to know what they're eating.
I myself do not oppose to biotechnology and agricultural technology, but I believe as customers, we have the right to be informed if the food that is being sold to us may contain processed substance or ingredients from a genetically modified organism. I also believed that we have the right to be informed with adequate and unbiased lab test results in regards to possible health risks and other adverse reaction if such product is consumed,for the protection of us and our families.
I agree wholeheartedly with the statements in this petition. I would add that genetically modified foods are in violation of my faith as a Christian. I believe that it is discriminatory to force to me eat these foods, unlabeled and unidentified despite the violation of my conscience and faith which states that all life should reproduce after its kind. The forced mixing of the DNA of incompatible species is a violation of this precept and is in violation of what I believe to be God's intention in creation.
We as citizens have the basic liberty of choice and freedom. Not labeling GMOs deceive us into buying material we do not want. GMOs should be well tested and strictly regulated before a human eats it. Side effects and such worry every consumer. So many of our products contain GMOs: Coca-Cola, Campbell soups,General Mills, Kellogs and even old trusted Tang, has GMOs. Why hasnt anyone told me this? Because the big GMO companies think we may judge them. Guys, for more, look at this guide http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/pubs/guide%208_11%20layout.pdf
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11:14 pm PDT, Apr 4,
Amilia Leone, California
There is irrefutable proof. Stand up for the people , our country, our world! |
GMO food has so far been shown to be unsafe. Please do not put the public at risk!
Why is the assumption made that GMO food is safe? If the government cannot guarantee its safety then the consumer should be able to choose to avoid GMO food.
People have the right to know what they are consuming.
Consumers have the right to know what they are putting in their bodies. It is the government's job to regulate via the FDA. It is their responsibility to make sure our food is healthy, and that consumers are aware of the ingredients and any possible health issues. We should be labeling genetically modified foods.
Do you want your kids to be the guinea pigs for GMO foods? Please label so we can be safe and not sorry. Thank you.
Justice!
It is highly important that we face facts to do rigorous investigations through science in order to determine the long term affects of GMO's being introduced into food sources. One way of doing this is to allow people the ability to make the choice. Do not take that choice away and begin to use the general population for testing, waiting 20 years to know the final results of the GMO production. Let us choose by labelling the products we buy with information that helps us make smart choices!
I strongly believe in a consumer's right to make an educated choice about their food. Labeling genetically engineered food allows the public to have the appropriate say in what we are putting in out body. I don't think genetic engineering needs to be banned; it just needs to be labeled.
You are what you eat. I personally purhcase organic GMO free foods. It is not fair, and not right, to sell foods that are not of their native gene code, for the purpose of making profits, whilst the gene pool of the human race suffers indignantly. LABEL GMO FOODS PLEASE
Enabling and empowering consumer choice is absolutely essential to a functional free market. Currently people are unable to purchase products that reflect their values due to the lack of standards and labels regarding product content such as GMO. Please support the right of CONSUMER CHOICE!
We have the right to know what is in our food--the right to know what we are putting in our bodies; and the right to know the environmental impacts of genetically modified organisms.
I am particularly interested in applying this principal to the renewed use of Cannabis and Hemp plants. http://www.ky.usmjparty.org
