A ballot measure in the next election will give voters the chance to make Washington the first state to require the labeling of genetically engineered foods, but major U.S. food and chemical companies are pouring millions of dollars into efforts to block the approval.
According to the New York Times, large contributions from multinational food companies have surged into the state, making this one of the most expensive initiative battles in Washington's history, totaling at almost $29 million.
Both side agree that if passed, the measure, known as Initiative 522, could convince other states to perform similar action.
Supporters say labeling foods made from genetically modified organisms (GMO) would provide information for consumers to make informed shopping choices. Food and chemical companies say the wording would suggest something is wrong with gene modified ingredients that the companies believe are safe.
Companies like the big seed company Monsanto, General Mills, Pepsi and Kellogg are fighting the measure through contributions to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, which represents more than 300 food and beverage companies. GMA has put roughly $11 million into fighting the measure, according to Washington Public Disclosure Commission figures as of Tuesday.
About 70 percent of food sold in the state would not be covered by the initiative, a list which includes restaurant meals, meat and dairy products sold in supermarkets, and alcohol.
In September, one poll showed support for labeling led opposition by 45 percentage points. But a survey released on Oct. 21 by The Elway Poll, a regional non-partisan public opinion research group, showed support leading by only four points.
Forty-six percent of a sample of 413 registered voters in Washington reported they were inclined to vote for the labeling law, while 42 percent said they were inclined to vote against it. The margin of error was 5 percent.
Critics reportedly cited hundreds of studies showing that GMO crops are not safe for people and the animals who consume them. They also say the crops create environmental problems by encouraging more use of certain agrochemicals, and consumers should have the right to know what they are buying.
David Bronner, president of Escondido, Calif.-based Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps and a supporter of labeling, said the ballot initiative may lose in Washington state, but he sees eventual victory in some state or on a federal level.
"We're in this for a long haul," Bronner said. "Even if we lose here we're still feeding the national debate and conversation. We'll get it eventually."
