What is in Your Food?
According to reports, A bill is currently making it’s way through the House of Representatives that would remove a mandate presently obligating Large food corporations to notify consumers [in certain States] that their food contains GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)
The Bill is reportedly being backed by Mega-food industries attempting to fight the mandatory labeling procedure in several States all over the Country.
As of Now, Vermont is the only state actually requiring that it’s food companies inform consumers, however the labeling factor will not kick-in completely until 2016 (should it survive the legal challenge from food companies).
Yet despite the skepticism of the American people, many large food conglomerates insist that genetically modified foods are just as healthy and safe as organic foods.
“The reality is, biotechnology has time and time again proved safe,” the bill’s sponsor, Kansas Republican Rep. Mike Pompeo, said on the House floor.
“We should not raise prices on consumers based on the wishes of a handful of activists.”
Americans push back against GMOs
One of the most vocal supporters for mandatory GMO Labeling is American actress Gwyneth Paltrow, also famously known as “Pepper Potts” from her role in the hit-movie Iron-Man.
Paltrow took to Capital Hill on Wednesday in an attempt to voice her concerns about GMO Labels being removed from food descriptions.
“I’m not here as an expert,” Paltrow said from the podium.
“I’m here as a mother, an American mother, that honestly believes I have the right to know what’s in the food I feed my family.”
Paltrow and Other Opponents have labeled the Bill as the “Denying Americans the Right to Know” Act. The actress is currently seeking support for her Just Label It Petition which gained nearly 200,000 signatures in it’s first 6 days.
However Paltrow was not the only American to voice her opinion on the matter.
“However you feel about genetically modified or engineered food, families should have the opportunity to know what is in the food they are buying and where it came from,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro
“Americans have a right to know, and the marketplace works better when consumers can make more informed choices.” she Continued.
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Resources:
- Jalonick, Mary Clare. “House passes bill to prevent mandatory GMO food labeling”. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/house-passes-bill-prevent-mandatory-gmo-food-labeling/. Retrieved on August 7, 2015
- Radelat, Ana. “Congress seeks to override Connecticut’s GMO-labeling law | The CT Mirror”. Retrieved from http://ctmirror.org/2015/08/07/congress-seeks-to-override-connecticuts-gmo-labeling-law/. Retrieved on August 7, 2015