The first ever, stand-on-its-own GMO labeling law recently passed in Vermont, and Governor Peter Shumlin will sign it. Aside from any discussion about whether the major food companies will simply decline to stock grocery stores in such a small market (Vermont’s population is 626,000), the passing of this law is significant. Significant, too, by the fact that Monsanto, The Grocery Manufacturing Association (GMA) and the Biotechnology Industry Organization did little to fight it other than testify against it. Unlike other states’ attempts to enact GMO labeling laws, such as in California and Washington, there was no massive lobbying or advertising to kill votes. Amy Shollenberger, a lobbyist hired by the Vermont Right to Know Coalition, commented on the mild industry opposition by stating “it’s been a mystery. I’m sure there’s a strategy to it.” And indeed there is.
The industry understands, I would think, that with a full 93% of Americans in favor of GMO labeling, it will be increasingly difficult to stem the tide over time. Rather than continue to fight a losing battle among the voters in this country, the industry has decided instead to kill labeling laws at the federal level. The Koch brothers’ very own Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Kan., has introduced the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act (certainly an Orwellian title) which would usurp any state level labeling law. A more accurate name for this legislation, DARK – the Deny Americans the Right to Know Act – was given to it by various anti-GMO activists. Scott Faber of the Environmental Working Group says that “if the DARK Act becomes law, a veil of secrecy will cloak ingredients, leaving consumers with no way to know what’s in their food. Consumers in 64 countries, including Saudi Arabia and China, have the right to know if their food contains GMOs. Why shouldn’t Americans have the same rights?”
Indeed, the proposed legislation, by whatever name you wish to use, would enact into law five main provisions: it would preempt states from requiring labeling of genetically altered food, prevent the FDA from requiring GMO labeling, codify the current 13-year failed voluntary labeling system, allow the word “natural” on packaging of foods that contain GE ingredients and permit meat, milk, and eggs raised from animals fed GE feed to be labeled as non-GMO. Colin O’Neil, director of government affairs for the Center for Food Safety, recently said that the bill “…reads more like a contract with the devil.”
And it would appear as though the 93% of Americans who want their food to be labeled accurately have few friends in government. According to Food Democracy Now!, Margaret Hamburg, FDA commissioner, recently testified in front of the House Appropriations Committee, telling House members that the Obama Food and Drug Administration intended to finalize the voluntary standard, which is exactly what Monsanto, the GMA and the Koch brothers’ Pompeo are calling for.
One claim made by Rep. Pompeo in regards to this bill is that “GMO crops use less water and fewer pesticides.” It is one thing to disbelieve that the consumption of genetically modified foods can cause human health issues, but the case has long been closed on the massive amounts of pesticides and irrigation it takes to maintain these crops. A study done by Food & Water Watch last year showed how the adoption of GE crops has in fact increased the use of herbicides over the past decade. Similarly, GE crops have been shown to be less water efficient, which is corroborated by farmers’ reports of failing GE crops during droughts.
While there is cause to celebrate Vermont’s labeling law, a real threat exists in the bill introduced by Pompeo. Not only is it industry sponsored, but Pompeo has managed to gain support, even among some Democrats, including Reps. G.K. Butterfield of North Carolina and Jim Matheson of Utah. The people of Vermont worked long and hard to make the labeling of GMO foods a reality. “This is a historic day for the people’s right to know,” said Andrew Kimbrell, executive director of the Center for Food Safety. We need to continue this effort for labeling laws rather than allowing Monsanto and the GMA to permanently kill any chance of reforms. Sign those petitions and call your representatives.
Recipe of the Week
Although I tend to avoid pasta, this dish is a tempting one to make, particularly after a hard day at work. It’s extremely easy and takes very little time.
Pasta with Mussels and Clams
1 pound pasta of your choice
1 lb. mussels, debearded
1 lb. clams, rinsed
6 cloves garlic, minced
juice from 1 lemon
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 bunch Italian parsley, chopped
parmesan
Bring to boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, but don’t rinse. Heat oil in a large pan, adding lemon juice and garlic. When the garlic starts to sizzle, add the shell fish and parsley. Cover and cook until the clams and mussels have opened, discarding any that remain closed. Taste for salt. Add the pasta to the pan and mix well. Serve with parmesan cheese. This should feed four people.
Annoyed Omnivore 