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