THE ONE-MINUTE ACTIVIST: MAY 2013

Senator William M. Cowan
365 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Senator Elizabeth Warren
Russell Senate Office Building
2 Russell Courtyard
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senators,

I am writing to urge your support of the Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act, the bipartisan bills to label genetically engineered (GE) foods, introduced by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR), and co-sponsored by thirty Senators and Representatives.
There is overwhelming public demand—consistently near 95%—for the labeling of GE foods. Yet the U.S. is one of the only developed countries in the world that doesn't require labeling; sixty-four countries have mandatory labeling policies for GE foods including South Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, Brazil, China, South Africa, Australia, the European Union, and many others.
Already in 2013, 37 GE labeling bills have been introduced in 26 states, including Hawaii, Washington, Indiana, Missouri, and Vermont, with many more expected by year's end.

Clearly the American public wants GE foods labeled, and it is time for Congress to listen.
U.S. courts have recognized a fundamental "right-to-know" rooted in the individual rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and by common law. In fact, FDA currently requires the labeling of over 3,000 ingredients, additives, and processes. Labeling genetically engineered (GE) food would increase consumer knowledge about the foods they purchase and feed their families.
You don't have to be a food technologist to know that corn that produces its own insecticide or salmon that grows twice as big are "novel foods" that are materially different from regular corn and salmon.
The Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act will simply ensure that consumers are not deceived when they buy foods that contain these "novel" ingredients. Labeling is essential for me to choose whether or not I want to consume or feed my family genetically engineered foods.

Please support the Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act. I look forward to hearing from you.