The Pacific Green Party supports the right of all Oregonians
to be informed about ingredients in the food we eat. The ability
to make healthy food choices is a human right.
Genetic engineering alters genes and transfers them
from one organism to another. The resulting products are called
genetically modified organisms (GMOs). A biochemist might insert
selected genes from soil bacteria into potatoes to increase yield,
or alter the vegetable so it’s pesticide tolerant. Two-thirds
of our food is genetically modified – including staples like
corn and soybeans. The act of restructuring just these two foods
affects breads, yogurts, infant formula, ice cream, vitamin E, chocolate,
alcohol, powdered sugar, salad dressings and many more. Yet our
food producers refuse to provide the information that would allow
us to make informed choices about what we take into our bodies as
nourishment.
Buying food is the not the same as volunteering
to be part of an experiment. Yet since 1996, when genetically
modified organisms began appearing in our food without our knowledge,
American consumers have been treated as guinea pigs. There is no
proof that foods containing these ingredients are safe to eat. If
individuals want to participate in experiments to determine the
effect of GMO foods, that should be a conscious choice. It should
not imposed on all of us by keeping food content a secret.
More than thirty-five countries, containing
half the world’s population, either have or are adopting GMO
labeling laws. U.S. exports to these countries are already
being labeled, so cost is not a factor. Ninety percent of Americans
support GMO labeling.
This is another case of corporate greed stepping
on basic human rights. Our commercial food producers seem to have
forgotten the duty that comes with the opportunity to sell their
wares. That duty is to inform consumers about what they purchase.
Food is essential for life, it is vital that we know what we eat.
Please vote yes on Measure 27.
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