Health & Fitness
House Passes Bill to Ban GMO Labeling Laws
The Dark Act specifically preempts states' rights to create their own GMO food labeling laws.
On July 23, 2015, the US House of Representatives passed HR 1599, “The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act”. The vote wasn’t even close. It was passed 275 for, to 150 against. It passed despite heavy opposition. The name of this act is ironic, since it is being called “Deny Americans the Right to Know” or “DARK Act”.
The Dark Act specifically preempts states’ rights to create their own GMO food labeling laws and if passed by the Senate, will effectively block Vermont’s GMO labeling law, set to take effect in 2016.
This is a significant blow to Americans’ right to truthful and transparent information about the food we eat and the Senate is our last hope to put a stop to this latest “Monsanto Protection Act.”
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Almost all Americans believe that it is their right to know the ingredients of what they are eating, but that right to know is now being threatened. Our elected congressman have been “convinced” by donations from big business to do their bidding and not follow the wishes of the people. I don’t know about you, but that is not O.K. as far as I am concerned. As a matter of fact, it is unacceptable and if we the voters don’t do something about it, what will be next?
Pro-GMO Forces Spent Nearly $64 MILLION on Lobbying This Bill to Pass the House:
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According to a report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), food and biotechnology companies spent $63.6 million in 2014 to lobby specifically for this kind of anti-labeling legislation.
HR 1599 Eliminates State Rights:
In addition to barring states from creating their own food labeling requirements for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), HR 1599 preempts any and all state and local regulation of GE crops, and further weakens federal oversight.
The basic premise and purpose of general food labeling is to inform you of what’s in the food you’re buying; its basic ingredients and additives.
We Only Have a Limited Time to Set Our Senators Straight:
Unfortunately, the bill has already been passed in the House and now heads to the Senate. There needs to be an extra push to stop it from becoming law.
You can find your senators’ contact information by clicking the link below, or by calling the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121.