U.S. Rep. Jared Polis (D-Boulder, CO) will introduce a bill tomorrow that would require food containing genetically-modified organisms to be clearly labeled. Polis, who is the lead sponsor of the bill, will hold a news conference announcing the proposal at 12:30 Wed. at Alfalfa’s Market in Boulder, Colo.
"I am proud to help lead the GMO Labeling Bill, which is all about consumer choice and information," Polis said in a news release. "It's important to empower people with the information they need to make their own healthy choices. People have the right to make consumer decisions based on accurate transparency in labeling, and knowledge is power."
Several states including Hawaii, New Mexico, Missouri, Washington State and California have tried to pass GMO food labeling regulations. Polis is proposing a federal transparency bill, which states consumers have a right to know whether the food they purchase contains or was produced with GMOs. The bill also defines GMOs and sets civil penalties for violations.
A federal bill for mandatory labeling would also open opportunities for international trade. A transparent system would allow American farmers and companies to export product to markets with a high demand for GMO-free products.
“As someone who has devoted his life and 43-year career to ensuring consumers have access to healthy organic foods, I think that consumers have a right to know how their food is produced, and the vast majority of consumers polled say they want to know if their food has been genetically modified.,” said Mark Retzloff, organic foods pioneer, co-founder and President of Alfalfa’s states, in a press statement.
“A federal labeling standard for GMO ingredients is the best choice for consumers and product manufacturers, as it provides transparency on the label and requires the same labeling standard for all manufacturers, regardless of their location or production methods.”
Jared Polis GMO Event
Feb. 20, 2013
12:30 p.m.
Alfalfa’s Market
1651 Broadway St
Boulder, CO 80301
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