The Honolulu Star-Advertiser featured today, Monday, March 4, 2013 an article stating that the House committee clears a bill to require GMO food labels. House Bill 174 as drafted would prohibit imported produce containing or even produced with genetically engineered material from being sold in the state of Hawaii without a "genetically engineered label." In addition, House Bill 174 would require importers of genetically modified produce to label all shipping containers and each piece of produce. Did you know that Hawaii imports a good portion of food? House Bill 174 is the latest hot topic here in Hawaii.
The GMO opponents insist that genetically engineered food is harmful to consume. The other side which includes Monsanto, FDA, American Medical Association, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science believe the food is safe so why label it. What are your thoughts on this? Do you believe we should have the right to know what we're consuming?
If GMO food is harmful to consumers does that mean you will have a higher risk for disease? Could diabetes be one of the chronic diseases linked to GMO foods?
As of now, eleven of the 17 House Finance Committee members have not voted no. However, do not start celebrating quite yet as there are numerous concerns with this bill.
According to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Senate lawmakers killed seven GMO-related bills this session by not scheduling them for hearings, while the House also killed seven except House Bill 174. Do our political leaders even care about our health?
Sen. Clarence Nishihara, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee said he is not even going to hear the labeling bill, since he believes it would violate federal interstate commerce laws. However, Rep. Mele Carroll, who sponsored the bill, said consumers have a right to know what they're eating.
If you want to make sure you're not consuming Frankenstein food it is imperative that House Bill 174 passes.
Please feel free to leave your comments below.
Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser
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