GE (or GMO) foods are not the result of traditional cross-breeding.
Initiative 522 calls for the labeling of food above .09 percent GE (or GMO) content. Washingtonians will see this on the ballot in November.
Agribusiness will tell voters there is little difference between GE/GMO organisms and traditionally bred crops.
Classical plant breeding is the crossing of related individuals to produce varieties with desirable properties. These are always related individuals. Unrelated species do not cross breed in nature. Genetically Engineered (Modified) organisms are those whose genetic characteristics have been altered by the insertion of a modified gene or a gene from another, usually unrelated organism by artificial means using techniques of genetic engineering. These crosses cannot occur through natural means.
Agribusiness claims there is no potential harm in consuming these organisms, but has not proved them safe. Some citizens object to consuming these organisms on various grounds including health, religion and issues of traditional culture. It is difficult to determine the origin of the food in our grocery stores because labels do not disclose GE/GMO status.
