Do You Know GMO? You Should

(A shout-out to my cousin-in-law from Cali for sharing this.  Thanks, P.A.!  And a disclaimer -- Buster is no expert on this subject, but the link below will lead you to some thought-provoking information.)
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GMO.  Genetically modified organisms.  Used in genetically engineered foods.  In the basic process, genes of one species are artificially transferred into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal.  The technique modifies or enhances certain "desirable" food traits and has been in commercial use for 20 years or so.  Advocates say the process is safe, and genetically engineered food is no riskier than any other.  Others question the industry's research and objectivity, and are understandably concerned about unknown long-term effects.

Truth be told, we all consume our fair share of crap -- my share is often 80 proof -- but most of our food and drink has labeling requirements, so if we care to read the fine print, we can get an idea of what's actually in the stuff we ingest.

The idea of labeling genetically modified foods and identifying them as such turns out to be a sticking point.  Proponents would simply like to know if a food product contains GMO ingredients, and then make informed decisions for themselves.  Many state legislatures agree.  And it certainly seems reasonable enough to me.

So who doesn't want GMO labeling?  Huge agro-chemical and agro-biotech companies like Monsanto, the GMO industry leader.  The industry's vehement opposition to labeling, and willingness to spend like a drunken sailor on lobbyists in order to prevent labeling regulations, speaks volumes.

There are now two bills in the U.S. House (a.k.a. Boehner's House of Horrors).  The GOP bill, H.R. 4432, will get a subcommittee hearing on December 9th or 10th.  It's also known as the Pompeo bill, or the "Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act."  The title could not be more misleading, since it will effectively prohibit all GMO labeling in the U.S.  (Of local interest, it's co-sponsors include Ohio Reps Pat Tiberi, Bob Gibbs and Bob Latta, R's all of course.)

The Democratic alternative is H.R. 1699, a.k.a. the DeFazio bill, or the "Genetically Engineered Food Right-To-Know Act", which does what the name implies and provides for the labeling of most genetically modified foods.  (Co-sponsors include Ohio D's Joyce Beatty, Marcy Kaptur and Tim Ryan.)  The DeFazio Bill was introduced over a year and a half ago, but has been ignored by Boehner's Nut House and gone without even a hearing.

Perhaps you'd find it appropriate to contact your Representative and ask him or her to support the DeFazio bill, and oppose the cravenly dishonest, industry-backed Pompeo bill.  I know I will.

http://gmoactionalliance.com/dark-act-hearing-scheduled/