By Jessie Le and Tiffany Tran
Proposition 37 was a California ballot measure proposed during the 2012 election which required that all foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMO) be labeled.
However, with a 46.9% to 53.1% loss, by about 500,000 votes, the measure was rejected.
Genetically modified organisms are genes that are inserted into the DNA of crops so that they can withstand chemical herbicides and pesticides. The benefits to the measure would be increased awareness of such effects on food.
However, Proposition 37 had a potential to “increase annual state costs ranging from a few hundred thousand dollars to over $1 million to regulate the labeling of genetically engineered foods,” according to the California Attorney General.
“[Proposition 37] is not what we really need right now,” Kayla Raygoza (’15) said. “If you’re extremely concerned about what you’re eating, then you would probably do a little more research before consuming it,” she said.
Proponents of the measure believe consumers have a right to know the contents of their food, no matter what the cost.
Jacqueline Nguyen (’15) stated, “I think it’s the consumer’s right to know every little aspect of what they’re putting their money towards. If money can buy ethics, money should do it.”
On the other hand, some students believe that genetically engineered food is harmless. “I’m against [Proposition 37] because there’s no need to label something that if the general population is already informed; it’s just kind of a waste of money for them to put on all the labels,” Abby Yasumura (’15) asserted.
Many well-known companies invested millions in the “No On Prop 37” campaign. For example, Coca-Cola invested $1,700,500, Pepsico $2,145,400, and Nestle $1,315,600 against Proposition 37.
Despite Proposition 37’s ultimate ballot rejection, consumers continue to fight for their rights. They believe that the increase in state and local government spending is justified and that consuming genetically engineered food now may cause harm in the future.
Christine Le (’15) said, “Even if it’s going to cost a few millions, I think it’s worth it.”
