PORTLAND — Oregon voters on Tuesday rejected the labeling of genetically modified foods following the most expensive ballot measure campaign in state history.
Residents voted down an initiative by Oregon GMO Right to Know that would have required manufacturers, retailers and suppliers to label raw or packaged foods produced entirely or partially by genetic engineering. The packaging would have included the words “Produced With Genetic Engineering” or “Partially Produced With Genetic Engineering.”
The two campaigns subjected Oregonians to thousands of commercials this fall, and recycling bins were filled with ads mailed from each side.
Opponents raised about $20 million to prevent the labels from appearing on grocery store shelves. Though the labels were not a warning, they feared the words would spook consumers.
The campaign to pass Measure 92 surpassed $7.5 million in donations.
