On July 23, 2015, US Congress voted 64% in favour of passing Bill H.R. 1599, the “Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015,” which has been the source of much controversy since its introduction back in March of this year. It is so controversial, in fact, that it has been coined “The Dark Act” (short for the “Deny Americans the Right to Know Act”) by its many critics.
Many people are angry about the passing of this bill because it:
- “Allows” for voluntary Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) labelling, but quashes all state laws that require GMO labelling, including one such law in Vermont, which would have been enforceable in July of 2016,
- Prevents the FDA from creating nation-wide mandatory GMO labelling,
- Prevents non-GMO producers from claiming that their products are non-GMO until they can be certified as such … by a program that has yet to be created and could potentially be years in the making,
- Blocks food manufacturers from claiming that non-GMO products are better than GMO products,
- Prevents state and local governments from trying to protect farmers and rural dwellers from the environmental and fiscal impacts of GMO farming.
It is a wonder how such legislature can pass through Congress when a recent poll shows that approximately 9 out of 10 Americans support mandatory GMO labelling. It is clear – people want to know what is in their food. This bill now trumps any existing mandatory GMO labelling state legislature, thereby undermining one’s right to know if GMOs are in their food.
To make matters worse, food manufacturers who offer non-GMO products will now be caught up in red tape (both financially and legally) when trying to label them as such.
64 countries worldwide already require some form of GMO labelling in support of their peoples’ right to know which foods contain GMOs. In shipping to these countries, the US is required to follow suit by labelling all GMO products appropriately. If the US has to label abroad, why not label at home? The cost would be as minimal as the ink needed to write “contains GMOs” on products’ “Nutrition Facts” labels.
Before the bill’s passing, representative Peter DeFazio made a very convincing case against “The Dark Act.” Watch his heated and informative opposition to the bill below:
While Peter DeFazio’s statement did not help prevent the bill’s passing in Congress, the bill has yet to pass through the Senate before becoming law. There is still time to voice your concerns.
The Non GMO Project, who has been actively working on a rigorous standard for non-GMO claims since 2007, will be greatly affected by this bill and will therefore be actively opposing it in Washington in the coming months. You can support their efforts by:
- Watching their Facebook page for regular updates,
- Sign up for The Butterfly newsletter for ways you can help,
- If you are from the US, make your voice heard by signing the Center for Food Safety’s letter to the Senate in opposition of Bill H.R. 1599,
- If you reside outside of the US and your country does not require GMO labelling, write letters to your local, state/provincial and federal government demanding a mandatory GMO labelling system that supports your right to know what is in your food.
It is clear that mandatory GMO labelling will not come about without committed action and an army of voices to support it. On an ongoing basis, do what you can to avoid buying GMO foods and let companies know that you want non- GMO products.
Voice your demands and spread the word while there is still time. If we become complacent, it will be our future generations who will suffer the consequences.
Sources
Genetically Engineered Food Labeling Laws Map. centerforfoodsafety.org
H.R. 1599: Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 Senate Vote
“Voters In Six Key States Overwhelmingly Favor Mandatory GMO Food Labeling.” ewg.org. July 21, 2015.
Clinically diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 28, Pam chose an alternative approach to recovery. Now decades later and still symptom free, she coaches others on how to treat the root cause of chronic disease, using a holistic approach. She can teach you how, too.
Pam is the author of Become a Wellness Champion and founder of Live Disease Free. She is a wellness expert, coach and speaker.
The Live Disease Free Academy has helped hundreds of Wellness Champions in over 15 countries take charge of their health and experience profound improvements in their life.
