Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/85727
Labeling GMOs city of angels WHAT COUNTS? Vote to know what's in our food cally modified organisms—be labeled. According to polls, about 90 percent of people asked say they want labels to tell them if there are GMOs in food, in addition to the exist- ing nutrition information about calories, fats, carbs and sodium. The California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food O n November 6, California voters could shake up things big time in grocery stores. Ballot item Prop 37 would require that GMOs—geneti- Agave, tofu, humus and kombucha present but a few of the growing alternatives to food products riddled with corn syrup, high fat content and un- healthy starches. But what's filling the plates of most Americans? And do these consumption hab- its affect anyone else? Connecting the dots, these numbers provide a unique glimpse at this country's appetite and its indirect global impact. 105.7 Pounds of red meat devoured by the average American in 2009 Act would require GMO labeling on packaged food sold in grocery stores and other retail outlets; require that when foods are not packaged, such as sweet corn or fresh fish, store shelves must post a label; and prohibit the advertising and labeling of genetically engineered (GE) foods as "natural." The labeling requirement would kick in July of 2014. It would not apply to what is served in restaurants, at salad 69.4 Pounds of poultry eaten by the average American that same year bars or at the neighborhood bake sale. And it would not apply to food from animals fed genetically engineered feed. Stacy Malkan, media director of the California Right to Know initiative to label GE foods, said Prop 37 is about transparency. "There is no proof that GMOs are safe because long-term human health studies have not been done. Yet this isn't a referendum on good or bad, but about the right to know and giving people a choice whether they want to eat it." The opposition group, "Stop Costly Food Labeling," is funded primarily by the Biotechnology Industry 647.9 Pounds of fruit and vegetables purchased by Ameri- cans individually in 2009 $60,000 The house- hold income minimum when fami- Organization and Grocery Manufacturers Association. They argue that labeling is extreme, costly and un- necessary. Karen Batra of the Biotechnology Industry Organization said, "This isn't even about labeling. It is about disparaging mainstream agriculture, scaring consumers into paying a premium price for organic products." A "yes" vote is expected to reverberate throughout the agricultural industry because companies may not want to initiate separate labeling for food sold just in California. GMOs now lurk in an estimated 70 percent of what is on grocery store shelves nationwide. Roughly 50 other counties already require labeling of GMOs, including all the nations in the European Union, Japan, China, Brazil and Australia. Mary Budinger is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who writes about integrative medicine. vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv Brightleaf 74.5 Pounds of added fat consumed in 2000, a two-thirds in- crease since 1950–1959 —Mary Budinger 5.5 Pounds of food an average American eats per day 38,709,000,000 cosmet ic & hol ist ic dent ist ry My practice is centered around the holistic approach for total body wellness. The treatment of your oral condition is individual to you respecting your dietary and health choices. I apply my experience and extensive and ongoing education to assure you the best possible treatment in an office where caring and comfort are a primary concern. Our services include: veneers / full mouth reconstruction / relief of jaw joint pain (TMJ) / clear braces cosmetic onlays & crowns / impants / bridges / lasering / gum treatments Ana Brightleaf, DMD 12 wholelifetimesmagazine.com 310.395.1810 1304 15th St #209 Santa Monica 90404 www.brightleafdental.com of food Americans waste each year Pounds of food required per day to feed the world's 7.038 billion popu- lation to remain consistent with the U.S.'s daily consumption 30,000,000 Tons sources: U.s. Census Bureau, Population health Man- agement, U.s. Department of agriculture, Quora, & Envi- ronmental Protection agency. —Tim Posada lies begin looking beyond fast food for meal option.