Oregonians will decide in November whether they want to mandate that companies label genetically modified foods. The Secretary of State’s Office Wednesday certified 118,780 signatures — well above the 87,213 needed to qualify for the 2014 ballot.
“In only six weeks, we were able to collect more than 31,500 signatures more than the number needed to qualify,” said Sandeep Kaushik, campaign spokesman for Oregon Right to Know. “That is a powerful indication that Oregonians understand that protecting the profits of chemical conglomerates and agribusiness giants should not take precedence over the public’s right to know what is in the food they eat and feed their families.”
Initiative 44 would require all food produced with genetically engineered ingredients to include the words “Genetically Engineered” on the front or back of their packages. For raw food, like apples or potatoes, that aren’t usually packaged, retailers would need to place a clear label nearby. If passed, the labeling law would take effect Jan. 1, 2016.
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