Untitled Document
Overview | More Information
What’s New
In poll after poll, between 80 and 90 percent of Americans have said they want to know whether or not their food is genetically modified. In May 2006, Rep. Dennis Kucinich (OH) introduced the Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act (H.R. 5269), which would require labeling of food containing genetically engineered ingredients and ensure consumers’ right to know about the contents of their food. As of July 18, 2006, the bill has 13 co-sponsors.
How You Can Help
Call your representative and urge him or her to co-sponsor the Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act, legislation to require labeling of genetically engineered foods.
Summary
Genetic engineering involves the altering of a crop or animal by inserting genetic material into its DNA, thus creating an organism with new traits. Biotechnology companies, for instance, have genetically engineered crops to make their own pesticides or to resist a certain virus. The United States is the largest producer of genetically engineered crops globally; approximately 60 percent of processed foods in American supermarkets are genetically engineered.
The U.S. government has allowed the biotech industry to regulate itself, doing little to ensure the safety of the crops before they are planted or enter the food supply. Unfortunately, scientists have raised serious concerns about genetically engineered crops, including their impact on the environment, agriculture and public health. Since the U.S. government does not require manufacturers to label products containing genetically engineered ingredients, consumers who would prefer to avoid genetically engineered foods are shopping in the dark.
U.S. PIRG supports a moratorium on the commercialization of genetically engineered foods and crops until independent safety testing demonstrates they have no harmful effects on human health or the environment; genetically engineered foods are labeled; and the biotechnology corporations that manufacture them are held accountable for any harm they may cause. Learn more.
Overview | More Information
