A Retail Grocer’s Perspective
on Measure 27
As President of New Seasons Market, a locally owned
Portland based grocery chain, I ask you to join me in voting Yes
on Measure 27, the campaign to label genetically engineered food.
I believe strongly that our customers have the right
to know what they are buying and eating. This includes, as much
as possible, labeling where the food was grown or produced, whether
it’s organic and if it has been genetically engineered. Congress
declared in its Fair Packaging and Labeling Act that, “Informed
consumers are essential to the fair and efficient functioning of
a free market economy.” Without Measure 27 consumers in Oregon
and throughout our country will continue to be kept in the dark
about this risky experiment with genetic engineering. The system
is broken and this is our chance to fix it.
There are serious, scientifically valid concerns
about the dangers of genetically engineered food to our health and
to the health of our environment. In the European Union, citizens
and governments have demanded that genetically engineered foods
be labeled so that consumers can make informed purchasing decisions.
I want to offer that choice to our customers also. They deserve
it.
For many, food is connected to religion, culture,
ethical concerns and the environment. For everyone, food choices
are connected to health. Isn’t it time we assert our rights
as citizens of this country to be kept adequately informed on a
subject so critical to all of us?
In one survey after another, a vast majority of Americans
have stated that they want to see genetically engineered foods labeled.
To me, it is not only good business sense to comply with the wishes
of my customers, it is also just plain common sense.
For yourself, your family and for future generations,
please vote Yes on Measure 27.
Sincerely,
Brian Rohter
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