Coalition Calls on Congress to Label Genetically Engineered Foods

May 10, 2012-- Following a public comment period ending last week when the USDA received more than 365,000 public comments opposing approval of 2,4-D-resistant, genetically engineered corn, the Truth in Labeling Coalition announces the launch of a National Petition asking Members of Congress to support Federal legislation to label genetically engineered food. The Truth in Labeling Coalition is a national organization of farmers, doctors, consumers, chefs, food manufacturers, retailers, and public interest groups.

An on-line map will tally the number of people – by Congressional District -- who have petitioned their U.S. Representatives to require labeling of genetically engineered food. Signatures will be delivered to each Representative's district and Washington offices until Federal legislation is passed

Major indicators that Federal legislation to label genetically engineered food will succeed:

The American Medical Association is voting in June 2012 on two resolutions to support Federal legislation to label genetically engineered food. The American Public Health Association, the American Nurses Association, the Illinois Public Health Association, and State Medical Associations in Illinois, Indiana and California have already passed such resolutions [1]

California has collected more than 971,000 signatures to put a state ballot initiative to require labeling of genetically engineered food up for vote in November. [2]

More than 1 million people sent comments to the FDA this year in support of a Citizen Petition to label genetically engineered food[3]

20 states have introduced legislation to label genetically engineered food [4]

55 Members of Congress joined a Bi-Cameral (House and Senate), Bi-Partisan Congressional Letter to the FDA in support of the Citizen Petition[5]

Americans consistently poll between 72-96% in favor of labeling genetically engineered food[6]

More than 40 countries require labeling of genetically engineered foods, including the European Union, Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand[7]