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On November 6 Californians will decide if their state will become the first in the country to require the labeling of genetically modified foods or foods using genetically modified organisms. Prop 37 or the Genetically Engineered Foods Labeling Initiative would mandate that grocers identify products as either “Genetically Engineered,” “Partially Produced with Genetic Engineering,” or “May be Partially Produced with Genetic Engineering,” based on how much genetic tinkering took place during the food’s production. In addition, Prop 37 would prohibit the use of the word “natural” in the advertising and labeling of genetically modified foods.

Prop 37 opponents claim that labeling is unnecessary pointing to a lack of evidence that consuming genetically modified foods is unhealthy or dangerous. A recent study published in the scientific journal “Food and Chemical Toxicology” caused controversy when it found that rats fed a herbicide resistant variety of corn developed by Monsanto corporation were more vulnerable to cancer and had shorter lifespans. The study is one of the few examples of research into the health effects of genetically modified foods that is independent of the agricultural industry.

Prop 37 has provoked a well funded opposition backed by some the country’s largest processed food manufacturers and agri-businesses including Pepsi-Co, Monsanto, and DOW Chemical, just to name a few.
Combined these corporations have given over $25 million to defeat the proposition, more than 10 times the amount raised by the proposition’s supporters. Despite this disparity in funds, the initiative is likely to pass by a 2 to 1 margin according to a September USC/LA Times poll.

Surveys have shown that measures to ensure the labeling of GMO products enjoy overwhelming public support nationwide, in some cases with up to 90% approval from respondents.

GUEST: Michele Simon, a public health lawyer and author of the book, Appetite for Profit: How the Food Industry Undermines Our Health and How to Fight Back, and president of Eat Drink Politics, an industry watchdog consulting firm

Read Michele Simon’s writings at www.huffingtonpost.com/michele-simon/