Group Fights Genetically Engineered Food Sold Secretly

A public-interest group is in the midst of a heated battle to secure the people's "right to know" what is being done to scientifically alter their food by companies selling products such as genetically-engineered salmon.

January 11, 2012 | Source: News With Views | by Jim Kouri

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A public-interest group is in the midst of a heated battle to secure the people’s “right to know” what is being done to scientifically alter their food by companies selling products such as genetically-engineered salmon.

Last May, the California Assembly Health Committee passed AB 88, sponsored by Assemblyman Jared Huffman, which requires all genetically engineered salmon sold in California to be clearly labeled. The bill now moves to the Appropriations Committee where those members will decide if AB 88 should go to full Assembly for the final vote.

“We need to persuade Appropriations Committee members to vote in favor of AB 88!” states Margherita Pagni, the director of strategic relations at the Institute for Responsible Technology.

The first question asked by many is: Are there any health risks to consuming genetically-modified food products?

The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) doesn’t think so. The Academy reported that “Several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with GM food,” including infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, faulty insulin regulation, and changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system. The AAEM asked physicians to advise patients “to avoid GM foods,” states the Institute for Responsible Technology.