I-522 voting coming to a close
Written by Sheraden Kimball, Former Student on Monday, November 4, 2013
Monsanto continues to receive donations in effort to overthrow I-522, which would require the labeling of genetically modified foods sold within the state. GMOs, short for genetically modified organisms, are alterations to the genetic makeup of cells within different variations of food. Genetic modification produces new combinations of genes that do not occur naturally, allowing crops to survive chemical herbicides.
A record-breaking total of $22 million has been raised to defeat the Washington state ballot initiative, yet it does not seem to be enough. This is due to the lack of local money.
While food labeling supporters have only raised around $6.8 million, over 340,000 citizens signed the petition to put the initiative on the ballot this November.
The Washington State Nurses Association endorsed I-522 in June, and has shown its support ever since. “The main issue that I have with GMO foods is that while they haven't been proven unsafe, they haven't been proven safe either,” said Lauren Zaffos, a nurse in Maryland. “I think we still need to be cautious about our consumption until more research has been done to prove that ultimately they are harmless in endless quantities,” she added.
On the economic influence, “I don't think the public's right to know is in conflict with the economic considerations.” According to Zaffos, the FDA already monitors the safety of our food, so the enforcement of the law won’t increase grocery cost. “Anyone caught non-compliant will increase revenue by the fines they will be forced to pay,” she said.
Regardless of the economic impact, Zaffos believes the public has a right to know.
Whole Foods Market also supports I-522. Whole Foods has created an effort called “Will Vote for Food”. It was made as a coalition of brands, farmers, producers, and community leaders who believe consumers have the right to know.
The most recent public poll showed 45 percent of citizens are voting "yes" on the initiative. Election results will be announced tomorrow.
