California to Let Voters Decide on GMO Labeling - KCOY Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo - News

California to Let Voters Decide on Genetically Modified Food Labeling

SACRAMENTO, Calif- A measure that would require labeling of genetically altered food will now appear on the November ballot.

The initiative would be the first of its kind in the united States. Fifty countries-including the European Union member states, Japan and other key U.S. trading partners-have laws mandating disclosure of genetically engineered foods.

According to Oakland Attorney James Wheaton, who is behind the measure, " The purpose of this measure is to create and enforce the fundamental right of the people of California to be fully informed about whether the food they purchase and eat is genetically engineered and not misbranded as natural so that they can choose for themselves whether to purchase and eat such foods."

There is some concern about the cost of this measure if it passes in November. According to the Department of Finance, the measure would increase state administrative costs of up to one million dollars annually to monitor compliance with the disclosure requirements. They also anticipate there would be potentially significant costs for the courts, the Attorney General, and district attorneys due to litigation.