Proposed GMO labeling legislation

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) introduced legislation today that would mandate labeling of all bioengineered foods. The Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act seeks to require that all genetically engineered foods carry the following label: "This product contains a genetically engineered material, or was produced with a genetically engineered material."

Boxer said in a statement that the legislation is necessary to allow consumers to "know what they are eating." She also asserted that there is insufficient scientific evidence regarding the safety of genetically engineered food. Boxer cited a range of concerns, including "increased exposure to allergens, decreased nutritional value, increased toxicity and increased antibiotic resistance." She also said that "potential environmental risks include the destruction of species, cross pollination that breeds new weeds that are resistant to herbicides, and long-term increases in pesticide use." ...