BIG News! Senate Refuses DARK Act, Protects Americans’ Right to Know

Big News! The Senate just made the right decision in voting AGAINST a food bill that would effectively ruin GMO labeling across the country and keep Americans in the dark about what they are eating.

The bill, appropriately deemed the DARK Act (Denying Americans the Right to Know act), would halt states’ decisions to enact mandatory GMO labeling.

The DARK Act previously cleared the senate committee in a 14 to 6 vote. This bill was promoted by Representative Mike Pompeo, a supporter of biotech giants like Monsanto, and would’ve pre-empted states from having their own laws on GMO labeling. This includes states such as Vermont which have already acted on GMO labeling. Vermont has a GM labeling law going into effect just months from now.

Just in case you aren’t totally sure, GMOs (in this case) refer to genetically modified foods which are used in the food supply. Biotechnology companies genetically modify crops like corn, food companies use it in food, and individuals have no idea that the food has essentially been genetically altered. GMOs also promote heavy pesticide use, adding to the toxicity of foods we consume.

The bill claims to solve labeling problems in the country, but it does just the opposite. As EcoWatch reports:

“Many Senators properly noted that this bill fails to solve the problem it claims to fix. Instead, by blocking state laws from going into effect and replacing them with voluntary measures and impractical alternatives to labeling, it would have ensured that big food processing companies and the biotechnology industry continue to profit by misleading consumers.

Another common message from many Senators was the need to continue negotiating about the contents of this bill. But more compromise will not fix the problem at the core of Sen. Roberts’ approach: Blocking state laws that require GMO labeling will strip away the ability of states to protect the public’s right to know what is in its food. Any version of this bill that would result in anything less than mandatory on-package labeling is unacceptable.”

BREAKING: The #DARKAct is blocked in the Senate. This is a HUGE victory for American consumers! #votefood pic.twitter.com/gRGcOl6Q2G

— Food Policy Action (@FPAction) March 16, 2016

All of this begs the question – why are companies willing to spend so much money to ruin GMO labeling efforts? Why are they so against citizens clearly knowing that a food has been genetically manipulated by man? Well, there are a few reasons, but one is glaringly obvious. If these Big Food companies had to put a label on foods, individuals would not buy them! This results in profit loss.

And many companies don’t even want to clearly state their anti-GMO labeling stance, sometimes even hiding behind other food agencies that represent them.

Just recently, a landmark case about the dirty-money and politics used in the GMO labeling fight was decided. The Grocery Manufacturer’s Association, which represents numerous Big Food companies, was found guilty of a money laundering scheme that shielded members’ identities as they helped to defeat GMO labeling initiatives.

This does NOT help the side against GMO labeling.

Most People Support GMO Labeling

Let’s face it: the majority of Americans want GMO foods to be labeled. Let’s look at a few polls:

• The New York Times: 93% found to be in support of labeling GMOs
• MSNBC: 96% in support
• Reuters/NPR: 93% in support of full labeling
• Washington Post: 95% in support of full labeling
• Consumer Reports: 95% agree GM animals should be labeled
• ABC News: 93% want federal GM labeling mandate

Pulled from data from the Consumer Reports poll mentioned just above:

• 92% think GE Food Should Be Labeled Before Sold
• 92% of Americans specifically agreed that the government should require that GE salmon be labeled before it is sold
• 92% Think GE Food Should Meet Government Safety Standards Before Sold
• (72%) of consumers polled said that it’s crucial for them to avoid GE ingredients when purchasing food

Further, in 2015, the issue of genetically modifying the food supply was named one of the top stories influencing behavior in Americans under 40. It looks like 2016 will be no different.

Let’s fight for our right to know!