CA Proposition 37 - What’s Next?
All of our Proposition 37 support materials, including the ones on our packaging, are paid for by Straus Family Creamery, Inc.
Dear Friend,
Over the last year, a large coalition of consumers, farmers, thought leaders, businesses and non-profit organizations came together in support of Prop 37, to bring the issue of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) to the forefront of people’s minds. Everyone involved deserves our deepest gratitude for their remarkable work.
Prop 37 may have lost by a small margin, but on November 6, more than 4 million Californians demanded our fundamental right to know what we are eating and feeding our children. That in itself is a victory. The awareness-raising and educational impacts on the public have been tremendous – and they won’t go away.
There are now millions of people in California, and beyond, who know about genetically modified foods and are asking questions about the impacts on human health, the environment and our food system. Consumers will keep asking these questions and, inevitably, the momentum will continue to grow.
Straus Family Creamery looks forward to carrying on its educational work in collaboration with thought leaders, the more than 10,000 grassroots volunteers across the state, and many like-minded businesses and organizations. The fact that a Proposition to label genetically engineered foods didn’t pass this year in California is just a minor bump in the road toward the goal of transparency in our food system.
There is no doubt in my mind that educational work will continue and that we will be able to reach more and more people over time. We, at Straus Family Creamery, look forward to it, we intend to be a big part of it, and we hope you will join us along this journey.
Thank you,
Albert Straus.
About Prop 37
We believe that consumers have a fundamental right to know what we are eating and feeding our children. Labeling foods containing GMOs will empower consumers to make informed choices. We believe in empowering consumers so that we can affect positive change in the US food system.
The CA Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act of 2012, also known as Proposition 37, is a unique voter opportunity to raise awareness about GMOs in the United States. We recognize the great educational value Prop 37 brings to the general public in California.
Prop 37 is a great step in the right direction. At Straus Family Creamery, we believe that GMOs have no place in our food system. We will continue working toward that goal and Prop 37 will provide the foundation for that work. All eyes are on California. If passed, the Right to Know Act will encourage other states to follow California consumers’ leadership.
Please join the almost one million people who signed the petition to get this very important initiative on the ballot and vote Yes on Prop 37 in November!
Why GMOs need to be labeled
- GE foods have not been adequately studied -- there have been no long-term human-health studies.
- GE crops use more herbicides. As a result, plant resistances have developed and so-called “super weeds” have been found in 26 states.
- GE crops have the potential to bring toxins and allergens into foods.
- 40+ countries worldwide, including all EU member countries and China, currently require mandatory labeling of GMOs.
- Polls show that 92% of Americans want genetically engineered foods labeled.
What does the proposition actually say?
The ballot initiative simply requires that foods made, or partly made, from genetically engineered ingredients be labeled as such in California:
- Raw agricultural commodities that are offered for retail sale would need to have the clear and conspicuous words “Genetically Engineered” on the front of the package.
- Processed foods would need to have in clear and conspicuous language on the front or back of the package the words “Partially Produced with Genetic Engineering” or “May be Partially Produced with Genetic Engineering”.
- If passed, the law would go into effect on July 1, 2014. That would give companies an 18-month window to make adjustments to their packaging.
- Some exemptions include:
- Foods made from animals that have been fed or injected with genetically engineered feeds or drugs would not be required to be labeled.
- Raw agricultural commodities or foods derived from them that have been grown, raised or produced without the knowing and intentional use of genetically engineered seeds or foods would not have to be labeled.
- Alcoholic beverages would not have to be labeled.
- Processed foods that contain genetically engineered ingredients that amount to less than one-half of one percent each of the total weight of the processed food; and that food does not contain more than ten of those ingredients would not have to be labeled.
- Certified organic foods would not be labeled because organic standards don’t allow GMOs in organic agriculture or organic foods.
- Unpackaged foods, such as foods intended for immediate consumption or foods served in restaurants and food facilities, would not have to be labeled.
Who supports Prop 37?
As of September 2012, more than 2,000 businesses and professional organizations have endorsed Yes on Prop 37, including a broad range of consumer, farm, environmental and health advocates.
Endorsing supporters include the American Public Health Association, United Farm Workers, Sierra Club, California Organic Farmers, Organic Consumers Association, Consumer Federation of America, Nature’s Path, Lundberg Family Farms, Organic Valley, Dr. Bronners, Eden Foods, Mercola.com, Center for Food Safety, Food Democracy Now!, and the California Democratic Party.
Straus Family Creamery has been a strong supporter of the initiative. We have donated $5,000 to the campaign; many, many tubs of delicious, organic ice cream for GMO-labeling events; and a significant amount of staff time, to serve on committees and working groups and to speak at events.
See a complete list of endorsements >>
