I recently learned of a statewide effort to launch an initiative for the November 2012 ballot to label foods containing genetically modified organisms. Although biotech executives and some scientists say these foods are safe, other scientists and food experts advocate further independent testing as they believe these foods carry health risks.

However, outside the biotech industry, scientists are allowed access to research GMOs only if they agree to never speak to the safety of GMOs — and currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allows makers of GMOs to police themselves.

This troubles me, as I would ask for transparency when it comes to the food I feed my family. Further, if these foods are safe, I would think manufacturers would be clamoring for independent studies to be done to silence criticism and allay growing suspicion.

In addition to those who are concerned about safety, others asking for the right to know more about GMOs include people with political, philosophical and religious concerns. For example, vegetarians may wish to know when an animal species material is introduced into a vegetable, as in the FlavrSavr/flounder fish tomato of 10 years ago. For situations such as this, or to track the rising rates of allergic reactions to foods, labeling is essential.

For more information on GMOs, visit www.labelgmos.org, or watch the movie “The Future of Food” free on the Internet. Also, a label GMOs in Yolo group meets every Thursday in Davis from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Eleanor Roosevelt Circle clubhouse, 675 Cantrill Drive, across from the police station.

Jan Woods

Davis

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