Labeling Genetically Engineered Foods (Hawaii)http://www.thecampaign.org/forums/showthread.php?t=1098
KHON-TV
By Tammy Mori
Feb 24, 2008
Genetically engineered farming is a growing industry in Hawaii.
And many of us don't even know when we're eating genetically modified food, also known as GMO's.
But a new bill may change that and require all genetically engineered foods sold in Hawaii to be labeled.
Senator Mike Gabbard says consumers should be given the right to choose what they're buying.
Some call Hawaii the world capitol for genetically engineered crops.
The ideal climate has attracted companies like Monsanto, DuPont and Dow to set up shop.
But their biotech practices have always raised some question marks for some...
"There are new allergies coming up these days. I want to know why, what are they putting in the foods," questions Penelope Perez, a concerned mother who started the group Hawaii Citizens for Food Choice.
Along with producing unknown allergens in foods, some worry GMO's lose their nutritional value, or even weaken the body's immune system.
"This is not about the controversy whether genetically engineered foods are good or bad," says Senator Mike Gabbard.
"We have the the right to decide what kind of food we put into our bodies," he adds.
And 4000 Hawaii residents signed this petition saying they would like the right to choose as well.
But labeling these crops could prove detrimental to the growing seed crop industry..
an industry that employs more than a thousand people in our state.
And Hawaii's State Department of Health says there's no proof that GMO's are dangerous.
"If there's nothing wrong with the GMO fruit, than why not spend the money to educate people," says Gabbard.
"I dont know enough about the things they're putting in the food. So I want to know which foods have the so I can have the choice either to look into it and still choose to get them or decide it's not what i want for my family for myself," says Perez.
Gabbard says in order to keep senate bill 3232 alive, it needs to be heard and passed out of the committees by this Thursday.
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