Key Vote in Albany Tomorrow on Genetically Engineered Food Labels

YONKERS, N.Y., March 7, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, headquartered in Yonkers, today called on Assemblyman David Buchwald of White Plains and Mt Kisco to vote yes for Right To Know Bill A. 3525 when it comes before the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee tomorrow. This bill would require labeling of genetically engineered foods (also known as GMOs) sold in New York State and ensure New Yorker's right to know what is in their food.

A broad coalition of consumer and environmental groups, including the New York Public Interest Group (NYPIRG), Sierra Club, Consumers Union, Natural Resources Defense Council, the Northeast Organic Farming Association NY, Food and Water Watch, and GMO Free NY  support the bill. The committee vote scheduled for Tuesday, March 10 is critical to passage.

"Consumers have a basic right to know what they are eating," stated Michael Hansen, Ph.D., senior scientist at Consumers Union. "Unlike most other developed countries, the US FDA does not require either safety testing or labeling before genetically engineered foods go on the market.  New York's GE labeling bill can change that, and Assemblyman Buchwald has a chance to move this important bill on to the next step of the legislative process," Hansen said.

Currently 64 countries require genetically modified foods to be labeled, including all European countries, Australia, and Japan. Polls have shown that US consumers overwhelmingly support their right to know what is in their food.

Dr Hansen states, "GE food is fundamentally different from non-GE foods. Labeling is important because it allows the consumer to report allergic or other adverse reactions to regulators or to simply exercise their consumer choice when at the checkout. Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports is calling on Assemblyman Buchwald to vote yes on A. 3525."

MARCH 2014
Consumers Union is the public policy and advocacy division of Consumer Reports. Consumers Union works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace. Consumer Reports is the world's largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website, and other publications. 

SOURCE Consumers Union