Proposition 37 states that food cannot be labeled as “natural,” requires all raw and processed foods to be labeled if they are made with genetic substances or has been altered in certain ways.
This proposition also provides exemptions to organic foods, and foods with genetically engineered ingredients.
Fiscal impact includes increased annual state costs that could rise to over 1 million dollars to regulate food labeling.
“The original fiscal note that was given to the proposition by election officials was Potential increase in state administrative costs of up to one million dollars annually to monitor compliance with the disclosure requirements specified in the measure. Unknown, but potentially significant, costs for the courts, the Attorney General, and district attorneys due to litigation resulting from possible violations to the provisions of this measure,” according to Ballotpedia.org.
Supporters for proposition 37 are Organic Consumers’ Association, The California Democratic Party, and The Green Party of California, Nature’s Path, and The Institute for Responsible Technology.
As of October 27, 2012, the supportive campaign cash is 7,300,000 dollars, and the opposing campaign cash is 41,300,000 dollars.
“Prop 37 has a number of flaws. It is not consistent in what has to be labeled as GMO and it allows individuals to sue food producers, retailers and manufacturers without having to show that the individual suffered material damage,” says Sarbjit Johal, a Political Science Instructor at Fresno City College.
Opponents of the Proposition Dr. Bob Goldberg, a member of the National Academy of Sciences, Jamie Johansson, a family California farmer, Dr. Henry I. Miller, the founding director of the Office of Biotechnology of the Food and Drug Administration, Betty Jo Toccoli, the president of the California Small Business Association, Jonnalee Henderson, affiliated with the California Farm Bureau Federation, and Tom Hudson, the executive director of the California Taxpayer Protection Committee.
Donors of the supporting side include Monsanto, Organic Consumers Fund, Annie’s Inc, Nutiva, Clif Bar and Co. and more.
Donors of the opposing side include Sara Lee, Hershey Company, Kraft Food Global, Pepsico Inc., Del Monte foods and more.
