Voters in two Western states are locked in a fierce battle over whether consumers should know what their food is made of.
Oregon and Colorado are deciding on labeling laws for genetically modified organisms.
Known as Measure 92 in Oregon and Proposition 105 in Colorado, the measures call for labeling food so consumers know if they are buying products that contain materials that have been genetically engineered or modified.
The states are vying to become the first to pass such a referendum, hoping to do what Washington and California could not accomplish after expensive campaigns in 2013 and 2012, respectively. Vermont lawmakers approved such labeling through the legislative process, but the issue is still being fought in the courts.
The latest ballot measures pit a coalition of foodies, organic farmers and nutrition activists against many of the nation’s leading food manufacturers including Monsanto Co., Kraft Foods Group Inc. and Coca-Cola Co.
Labeling supporters argue that consumers are entitled to know whether their food contains. Opponents fear labeling will stigmatize their products.
A GMO is any plant or animal that has been modified with outside DNA, a method used to increase yields or provide protection against diseases.
There are persistent concerns that the “frankenfood” has hidden dangers, although a 2008 report by the National Academy of Sciences found no health problems associated with GMOs.
The current campaigns mirror the battles already fought in Washington and California.
Even though the California labeling proposition lost, the effort helped raise awareness on the issue, said Larry Cooper, co-chair of Right to Know Colorado: Yes on 105.
“What California really did was wake up the country,” Cooper said.
In Colorado, labeling supporters have raised $700,000 compared to an estimated $12 million for their opponents, Cooper said. “It’s definitely a David versus Goliath thing,” he said.
Cooper asked: “If they are so proud of GMOs, why would they be opposed” to a measure that advertises them on the label?
Opponents argue that labeling measures could actually hurt the people they were designed to help.
“We oppose state-by-state mandatory labeling laws like Measure 92 in Oregon and Proposition 105 in Colorado,” said Monsanto spokesman Thomas Helscher in an email. “They don’t provide any safety or nutrition information and these measures will hurt, not help, consumers, taxpayers and businesses.”
In Oregon, the campaign over Measure 92 has become the costliest in the state’s history.
As of the weekend, both sides have raised a record total of $16.7 million, The Portland Tribune reported.
Monsanto has donated more than $4 million to defeat Measure 92, it was reported.
On the other side, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, which has supported similar labeling battles elsewhere, has given $1.15 million.
