This statement was created Sept 11, 2012. For an updated statement, please see our Genetically Engineered Foods page.
What about California Proposition 37?
Whole Foods Market supports California’s Proposition 37 requiring mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods by July 1, 2014 because we have long believed our customers have the right to know how their food is produced. However, we do have some reservations with the proposition as drafted and we hope several issues can be addressed in the implementation phase should voters approve the measure this coming November, including:
- The use of 0.5% of the total weight as the upper limit for processed foods that contain one or more genetically engineered ingredients to be exempted from labeling is inconsistent with the long-established international labeling standard of 0.9%.
- The people of California’s best interests will not be properly represented as the enforcement of Proposition 37 will not be handled in partnership with the California Attorney General’s Office to ensure objective guidance and impartial oversight, but instead by private plaintiff attorneys pursuing civil litigation.
Because of the inconsistency in thresholds and the lack of Attorney General oversight, manufacturers could be compelled to label products with “May be Partially Produced with Genetic Engineering” even if it is not the case to avoid costly litigation and protect themselves. We are concerned that this could result in consumers receiving inaccurate information, which is contrary to the intent of the proposition itself.
Additionally, we are encouraged by the parallel effort in Washington State with their proposed Initiative Measure No. 522 as it already addresses some of the concerns of California’s Proposition 37. These two state initiatives could possibly lead to a broader effort to create one federal standard on labeling of genetically engineered foods similar to how the National Organic Standards were formed. One set of rules and uniform support of a consumer’s right to know would ultimately be in the best interest of all.
The full text of California’s Proposition 37 can be found at: http://www.lao.ca.gov/ballot/2012/37_11_2012.aspx