The Quality of Life Commission has urged support for Prop 37, which if passed would require label information on foods having been genetically modified.
“Our panel unanimously believes that despite the predictable opposition of corporate agribusiness, the proposition is a good start in educating the public,” explained Woody Weingarten, commission chair.
“Prop 37 has become an uphill grassroots fight,” he added, “considering that industrial giants such as Monsanto, Dow and DuPont have backed their resistance with millions of dollars.”
The nine-member San Anselmo commission, whose main charge is to promote sustainability, long has been involved in environmental issues. It has previously endorsed the local garden exchange and organic farm stand, embraced reusing shopping bags and water bottles, and has advocated the concepts of green businesses and the Deep Green energy option.
Dr. David Behrs, head of school at San Domenico and a newly appointed member of the panel, said, “As an educator, I am concerned that we do not truly know the longitudinal effects of genetically-engineered foods and the threat it poses to children.”
Lea Dutton, another commission member, noted, “There are an increasing number of studies showing potentially significant health impacts from consuming food containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs).”
She reported that “the American Academy of Environmental Medicine has concluded ‘GM foods pose a serious health risk in the areas of toxicology, allergy and immune function, reproductive health, and metabolic, physiologic and genetic health.’”
Said Sita Khufu, yet another member of the commission, “Labeling is the first step in awareness. Next step — eliminate GMOs altogether.”
Although the panel had hoped the Town Council might endorse the proposition, the council’s practice is to take no formal position on issues or propositions that aren’t within its immediate jurisdiction.
