GMO labeling debate shifts to Olympia

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

GMO labeling debate shifts to Olympia
By PHUONG LE Associated Press 3:15 p.m.Jan. 17, 2014

SEATTLE (AP) — Months after Washington voters narrowly rejected an initiative requiring the labeling of genetically modified foods, lawmakers are reviving the GMO debate in Olympia.

Lawmakers on Friday heard a bill that would require labeling genetically engineered salmon for sale, even though federal regulators have not yet approved any genetically modified animals for food. Another bill would require many foods containing GMOs to carry a label.

The debate comes as the U.S. Department of Agriculture appears likely to approve an apple that has been engineered not to brown when it's sliced or bruised. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also has been considering an application for a genetically modified salmon that grows twice as fast as normal.

"Salmon is such an ingrained item here," said Rep. Cary Condotta, R-East Wenatchee, who is sponsoring House Bill 2143. "We label farmed vs. fresh caught (fish.) Why wouldn't we label transgenic fish? It just makes sense."


Read more: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/jan/17/gmo-labeling-debate-shifts-to-olympia/

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[GP6971]

1. When they are in session

traffic is heavier and parking is an issue in Olympia, where I work. I find it interesting I gleaned more information from the San Diego paper than the local papers.

[iemitsu]

2. What a refreshing surprise to have the legislature revive this debate.

And sponsored by a republican.
I was livid when the labeling bill failed last November. Months before the election the polls had the bill passing with a large margin then the anti-labeling commercials began to run. Filled with lies and retired Washington politicians they swayed the voters to reject what was clearly in their own best interest.
It would be wonderful if the legislature solved the issue with "common sense" laws.

[revolutionbrees]

3. This is the situation agriculture had with Point of Origin labeling

about ten years ago in Washington. Growers in the northern part of the state were asking for labeling on all produce to be labels with point of origin. They felt it would be beneficial for them, as growers, for the consumer to know which cabbage was grown in Washington vs. Chile. But Wal-Mart and other big box stores and grocery chains wanted to buy the least expensive produce and really did not care if they were hurting the local growers so the labeling never happened. A lot of grocers voluntarily put up signage in an attempt to connect with consumers but the defeat of the labeling hurt many smaller growers. After learning so much about regulations and processing I quit buying anything that was not grown within 100 miles of where I lived. Even now, I maintain this buying habit. Know your grower, know your food but I sure do miss fresh bing cherries.