Last year, voters in California rejected a ballot measure that would have required food with genetically modified ingredients to be labeled as such. Now, activists in the state of Washington are attempting to pass a similar measure, according to the New York Times.
The effort has led to an expensive political campaign, as many groups in the state have an interest in how food labels are regulated. Large food companies like Monsanto, Kellogg and General Mills oppose the measure, arguing that genetic modification is necessary to increase crop yields. Meanwhile, supporters demand the right to know what is in their food.
The dispute hinges on research that is far from conclusive and has in many ways divided the scientific community. While no long term study has been able to show that genetically modified foods are harmful, some contend that these types of foods have not been on the market long enough for a trend to develop either way. As such, they advocate for caution, and see more comprehensive food labels as a way to reach that goal.
In addition, not everyone who supports the use of genetically modified foods opposes labeling. For example, risk communication consultant David Ropeik told the Times that agricultural companies should drop their opposition to labeling as both a measure of good faith and also as a way to get the public used to these types of foods.
No one can know how this vote will resolve itself until residents go to the polls. But if it does pass, companies will need color label printers to convey the required information.
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