To: Sen. Christopher Murphy (CT-2)
Call on Senator Murphy to support labeling of genetically engineered food
Dear Senator Murphy,
I am writing to urge your support of the Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act, introduced by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and cosponsored by 11 senators.
There is overwhelming public demand—consistently near 95%—for the labeling of GE foods. Yet the United States is one of the only developed countries in the world that doesn't require labeling. Already in 2013, 37 GE labeling bills have been introduced in 26 states, with many more expected by year's end. Clearly the American public wants GE foods labeled, and it is time for Congress to listen.
U.S. courts have recognized a fundamental "right to know" rooted in the individual rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and common law. In fact, the FDA currently requires the labeling of over 3,000 ingredients, additives, and processes.
You don't have to be a food technologist to know that corn that produces its own insecticide or salmon that grows twice as fast are "novel foods" that are materially different from regular corn and salmon. The Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act will simply ensure that consumers are not deceived when they buy foods that contain these "novel" ingredients.
Labeling is essential for me to choose whether or not I want to consume or feed my family genetically engineered foods. Please support the Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act.
Why is this important?
Now more than ever, the United States needs a policy for genetically engineered food labeling: there are genetically engineered foods in up to 70 percent of the foods on grocery store shelves, the USDA is considering approving a genetically engineered apple this spring, and the FDA is nearing its approval of a genetically engineered salmon.
The labeling of genetically engineered foods should be mandatory. The public has the right to make an informed choice about the food they buy for their families. Without mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods, consumers are left in the dark.
Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) has sponsored new federal labeling legislation, the Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act (S. 809), in the Senate. Take action and tell Senator Murphy (D-CT) to support the genetically engineered food labeling bill.