Over the centuries humans have engineered plants that are draught tolerant, have better yields, better color and even produce better tasting foods. This process used to happen naturally with cross pollination and evolution but in the most recent century we have sped up this process by genetically modifying the plants. These plants are currently known as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and this topic has been a controversy that may soon be on labels.
In April of 2014 the SB 335 was introduced which would require the labeling of genetically modified ingredients by January 2017. This has sent companies into a panic. Once it is implemented in one state it would be on every label in the country because of mass production soon enough. Currently there is no way for stores to know if a product contains GMOs because the companies will not disclose that information. Making it mandatory to put them on the ingredients list would eliminate any question making it easier for those who wish to eat non-GMOs.
Indiana is also following suite and introduced the HB. 1196 bill that would require the labeling of ingredients that have been genetically engineered. These bills are known as right-to-know bills and have gained extreme support from residents.
Opponents of these bills have stated that it would pose a burden on food producers and cause needless harm. Every person has a right to know what they are buying whether it be jewelry, electronics, cars, or food. Consumer Reports evaluates the top brands in various categories so why should food be any different.
If the law passes Minnesota would be the fourth state requiring GMO labeling as soon as next summer. A GMO labeling mandate passed April 23, 2014 in Vermont which would be effective in 2016.
Genetically Modified Organisms are cause for celebration and caution. On the one side they reduce the amount of pesticides, herbicides and water used on crops. This is due to genetically modifying the DNA of the plants to more draught tolerant and resistant to the insects and animals that consume them. On the other hand there is little research that proves GMO plants and foods are safe for consumption.
This is what is most concerning to me. When a new product enters the market it is with little research proving its safety. We wait until we see the aftereffects and then go back to find out what is causing the problem and then we start to regulate it. With GMO foods it is not only the health effects on humans but the ecosystem as well. We are introducing new hybrid plants that are toxic to animals and insects that eat them many of which may rely on that crop to survive and without may go extinct if they evolve fast enough.
Industry was first opposed to the law requiring them to tell workers of the hazards at work and now it is mandatory and part of the basic operations. People have a right to know what they are consuming and should be able to choose what they eat. We now know approximately how much mercury is in certain fish so we can be cautious of how much we consume. Labeling GMOs is not any different.
http://naturalsociety.com/minnesotas-new-gmo-labeling-bill-Monsanto/
http://www.naturalnews.com/048875_GMO_labeling_Indiana_Minnesota.html
http://www.mprnews.org/story/2014/04/24/gmo-labeling-bill
In April of 2014 the SB 335 was introduced which would require the labeling of genetically modified ingredients by January 2017. This has sent companies into a panic. Once it is implemented in one state it would be on every label in the country because of mass production soon enough. Currently there is no way for stores to know if a product contains GMOs because the companies will not disclose that information. Making it mandatory to put them on the ingredients list would eliminate any question making it easier for those who wish to eat non-GMOs.
Indiana is also following suite and introduced the HB. 1196 bill that would require the labeling of ingredients that have been genetically engineered. These bills are known as right-to-know bills and have gained extreme support from residents.
Opponents of these bills have stated that it would pose a burden on food producers and cause needless harm. Every person has a right to know what they are buying whether it be jewelry, electronics, cars, or food. Consumer Reports evaluates the top brands in various categories so why should food be any different.
If the law passes Minnesota would be the fourth state requiring GMO labeling as soon as next summer. A GMO labeling mandate passed April 23, 2014 in Vermont which would be effective in 2016.
Genetically Modified Organisms are cause for celebration and caution. On the one side they reduce the amount of pesticides, herbicides and water used on crops. This is due to genetically modifying the DNA of the plants to more draught tolerant and resistant to the insects and animals that consume them. On the other hand there is little research that proves GMO plants and foods are safe for consumption.
This is what is most concerning to me. When a new product enters the market it is with little research proving its safety. We wait until we see the aftereffects and then go back to find out what is causing the problem and then we start to regulate it. With GMO foods it is not only the health effects on humans but the ecosystem as well. We are introducing new hybrid plants that are toxic to animals and insects that eat them many of which may rely on that crop to survive and without may go extinct if they evolve fast enough.
Industry was first opposed to the law requiring them to tell workers of the hazards at work and now it is mandatory and part of the basic operations. People have a right to know what they are consuming and should be able to choose what they eat. We now know approximately how much mercury is in certain fish so we can be cautious of how much we consume. Labeling GMOs is not any different.
http://naturalsociety.com/minnesotas-new-gmo-labeling-bill-Monsanto/
http://www.naturalnews.com/048875_GMO_labeling_Indiana_Minnesota.html
http://www.mprnews.org/story/2014/04/24/gmo-labeling-bill
