Lake County Board of Supervisors Resolution on
Mandatory Labeling of
Genetically Engineered Food
Where as: A summary of
survey results has consistently shown large majorities ranging from 82% to 93%
of Americans supporting mandatory labeling of GE foods.
Where as: At least 21
countries in addition to the European Union have established some form of
mandatory labeling of genetically engineered food.
Where as: The cost of
required food labeling has been demonstrated to have a negligible impact on
food prices.
Where as: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
requires labeling of food ingredients and additives that it regards as safe
along with foods of foreign origin and juice made from concentrate due to
consumer demands to know exactly what they are eating. Consumers are demanding
that ingredients made from GE plants and animals be added to labels, such as
rBGH in milk.
Where as: Many residents of
Lake County are concerned about GE food ingredients for philosophical,
religious, ideological, environmental, health and food safety reasons.
Where as: The consumer right
to know of the presence of genetically modified food ingredients is an
extension of the right to the pursuit of happiness proclaimed in the
Declaration of Independence and implied in the U.S. Constitution’s first
amendment guaranteeing freedom of speech including the giving and receiving of
information.
Be It Therefore Resolved: That
the Lake County Board of Supervisors supports the implementation of mandatory
labeling for all ingredients made from genetically engineered plants.
