Oregon's genetically engineered food label bid fails
Thursday, November 07, 2002By Reuters
PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon voters Tuesday roundly rejected a ballot initiative that would have required labels on food containing genetically engineered material, handing a victory to big food producers and biotechnology researchers.
Early returns showed more than 73 percent of voters rejecting Measure 27 compared with 27 percent in favor, prompting local media outlets to declare that the initiative, which would have produced the first such labeling law in the country, had been defeated.
Campaign finance reports showed the food industry and other opponents raised more than $5 million to combat the initiative. Much of the money went to advertisements warning of the higher costs it would bring to restaurants, grocery stores, and school cafeterias.
"Oregonians have resoundingly rejected the efforts of the proponents of Measure 27 to scare people about the foods they eat," said Pat McCormick, spokesman for the Coalition Against the Costly Labeling Law. "I think it affirms their confidence in (Food and Drug Administration) regulation of foods in this country."
Genetic modification, in which DNA is transferred from one organism to another, can boost farm yields, protect against diseases, and provide other benefits. It is used in some 70 percent of processed food in the United States as well as animal feeds.
Advocates argue GM foods reduce the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, while opponents question the safety of what some have derisively called "Frankenfoods."
Initiative supporters vowed to press the labeling issue, despite the setback.
"I don't consider it a loss. We may lose this election, but this is just the beginning of a movement here in Oregon and across the nation," said the measure's chief petitioner, Donna Harris.
Copyright 2002, Retuers
-- "To change the outside world, we must first change ourselves." "To change our outer lives, we must first change our inner world."
