The California bill, AB 88, that would have required all genetically engineered (GMO) fish sold in California to have clear and prominent labeling failed in the Assembly Appropriations Committee by a vote of 9-7 last week. AB 88 was stalled in Appropriations last year, and was held-over for reintroduction this session by Assembly member Huffman, the bill’s author.
There is still time, however, to support other genetically GMO labeling initiatives in California. Last November, the Committee for the Right to Know submitted the California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act to the State Attorney General for title and summary, prior to circulation as an initiative measure for the November 2012 election.
If this act makes it on the November 2012 ballot, California voters will have a say in whether GMOs are labeled in California. A total of 850,000 signatures are needed to get this initiative on the ballot. To find out how you can get involved, read this call for support.
For more information on GE fish, visit the Center For Food Safety campaign website.
For more information about the California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act, visit the Committee for the Right to Know website.
For information on federal bills, visit:
The U.S. Senate: S. 230 (ban) and S. 229 (mandatory labeling)
The U.S. House: H.R. 521 (ban) and H.R. 520 (mandatory labeling)
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