The American Association for the Advancement of Science has released a statement coming out against California’s Proposition 37, which would require labeling for GMO products. In the press release they correctly point out that:
“Several current efforts to require labeling of GM foods are not being driven by any credible scientific evidence that these foods are dangerous, AAAS said. Rather, GM labeling initiatives are being advanced by “the persistent perception that such foods are somehow ‘unnatural,’” as well as efforts to gain competitive advantages within the marketplace, and the false belief that GM crops are untested.”
In other words, this is about a scare tactic, not actually promoting food safety. In that vein, AAAS also said:
“…it is important to distinguish between labeling intended to protect public health—about the presence of allergens, for example—and optional labeling that aids consumer decision-making, such as “kosher” or “USDA organic,” which reflects verifiable and certifiable standards about production and handling.”
The GMO labeling does not serve the purpose of helping consumers make the choice or protecting public health. Again, it only serves to scare people into thinking that something must be wrong with GMO food if it has to be labeled as such.
Read the full press release.
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