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One million Americans tell FDA: We have a right to know what’s in our food

Published: April 4, 2012

Category: GM Food Labeling and Regulations

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The Just Label It (JLI) Campaign recently announced that a record-breaking one million Americans of all political persuasions have called on the FDA to label genetically modified foods. The campaign also announced a new national survey revealing that Americans across the political spectrum stand united in support of labeling food that has been genetically modified.

“Pink slime, deadly melons, tainted turkeys, and BPA in our soup have put us all on notice that what we eat and feed our families is critically important,” said Ken Cook, President of the Environmental Working Group, a JLI partner. “Americans overwhelmingly demand safety, transparency and labeling of genetically engineered foods. It’s time for the FDA to come clean and restore public confidence in our food system.”

Since October, JLI, (www.justlabelit.org), the national campaign to require GM food labeling and its more than 500 partner organizations have spearheaded an historic number of public comments for a GM-foods labeling petition. March 27 is the date when the FDA is required to respond to the petition. It took less than 180 days to accumulate the record number of comments.

“In recent years, Americans have shown a real interest in knowing more about our food and now there is a clear mandate for the labeling of genetically engineered foods. This petition asks the FDA to stand up for the rights of average Americans, and not just a handful of powerful chemical companies,” said Gary Hirshberg, chairman of Stonyfield, a JLI partner.

Consumer support for GM food labeling in the US is nearly unanimous, according to recent survey conducted by The Mellman Group. The survey of 1,000 voters found that 91% support labeling.