Schimel, Interns Stage Mock GMO Debate

Should companies be required by law to identify which of their food products are genetically modified?

Interns at the office of Assemb. Michelle Schimel, D-Great Neck, recently had the chance to debate the issue.

Schimel hosted an in-office debate with her summer interns on the Genetically Modified Organisms Labeling Bill (A3525-E). The bill, if passed, would require GMO products to be labeled, given that the products meet the threshold set forth by the bill.

While many people demand more transparency about what goes into their food, others believe that implementing such a policy will be expensive and cause an unnecessary panic about genetically engineered foods.

Two teams, comprised of two interns each, argued both the pros and cons of the bill and another intern moderated the debate. Aansh Shah (Roslyn) and Ellie Chen (Albertson) supported the bill. Bruna Bitanji (Great Neck) and Jenna Kolodny (Great Neck) opposed the bill. Sarah Sigman (Port Washington) moderated the debate.

“The presence of GMOs in our foods is something to be concerned about,” Shah said. “Consumers should be educated about what they are eating and the potential consequences of consuming them.”

“Because harmful pesticides are associated with genetically modified crops, people should be aware that they are eating these pesticides,” Chen said

Bitanji took an opposing view. “Labeling of GMOs to fulfill the desires of some consumers would impose a cost on all consumers”

“The job loss and costs associated with GMO labeling will be too high,” Kolodny added.

“Transparency is paramount for government,” Sigman said, in conclusion.

The Assembly style debate allowed for an interesting discussion. Ultimately, the bill was passed in the mock debate after a close 4-3 vote. After watching the interns prepare and debate, Assemblywoman Schimel said, “The debate was an informative activity and was an accurate representation of legislators in the state assembly. The interns did a great job researching the bill and their arguments reflected those made in the Assembly.”

Photo caption: Pictured above (left to right): Aansh Shah (intern), Ellie Chen (intern), Sarah Sigman (intern), Michelle Schimel (Assemblywoman), Jenna Kolodny (intern), and Bruna Bitanji (intern).