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Health & Fitness

Majority of MA legislators back GMO labeling

State Sen. Mike Barrett has joined a coalition of farming, public health and consumer advocates to announce that a majority of state legislators support labeling foods that contain GMOs (genetically modified organisms).

 

“Labeling is a matter of transparency, of basic consumer rights,” Barrett said.  “Several hundred of my constituents have been in touch to tell me they feel the same way.  Other New England states have passed GMO labeling laws.  Massachusetts should be next.”

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The United States and Canada are the only two industrialized countries without national labeling standards.  Vermont recently passed a statewide law.  Maine and Connecticut have passed bills that kick in once other states pass similar measures.  According to a 2013 New York Times poll, 93% of Americans support labeling of GMOs on food packaging.  Barrett says that’s not surprising given what he’s hearing in his own district; to date, 590 constituents have emailed, called or written in favor of the idea, including many from Waltham.

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Labeling advocates argue that, without markers on food packaging, scientists have trouble tracking possible links between GMOs and public health issues.  Commercialized GMO crops include soybean and corn.

 

23 State Senators and 119 State Representatives have pledged support for labeling.  Barrett directed praise at the bi-partisan duo leading the charge in the House of Representatives, State Rep. Ellen Story (D-Amherst) and State Rep. Todd Smola (R-Warren).  The bill is currently pending before the House Committee on Ways & Means.

 

“We are extremely lucky to have so many incredible legislators supporting this effort here in Massachusetts,” said Martin Dagoberto, Campaign Coordinator of the MA Right to Know GMOs coalition.  “The level of support from both the House and Senate, as well as from residents from across the state, speaks to the momentum behind passing a GMO labeling bill this session.”  The legislative session ends July 31.

 

“Oddly enough, having a majority of each branch as co-sponsors isn't absolutely a lockbox guarantee that it's going to pass in either branch,” Barrett said.  “We need to keep pushing.”

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