Abuzz

The internet is abuzz with news about California's proposition 37.

If you don't know what that it is it is the proposition to label genetically modified foods.

I think the most disheartening reveal from the slurry of information out there is that some of the organic companies that I love are paying to say "No" to GMO labeling.

To me that seems completely counter intuitive, but when Pepsi/Kellogs/General Mills, etc own you they own your thoughts as well.

Such a shame!

I don't want to be preachy but I just have to say if you have nothing to hide then should not be concerned about labeling.

If you are proud of the product your produce you should not be concerned about labeling.

I found this chart on the website of the Cornucopia Institute (a 501c who promotes family scale farming).

Larabar put out a message today addressing their position on the "No" side.

Dear LÄRABAR Community,

We hear your passion and concerns regarding California Proposition 37, and we acknowledge the strongly held views on this topic.  We would like to restate – LÄRABAR products do not use any GMO ingredients, and never will. As a further sign of our commitment, we are in the process of enrolling our brand in the Non-GMO Project.

Like most food companies that sell products beyond California, General Mills (the parent company of LÄRABAR) is not in favor of state-based labeling laws.  General Mills believes labeling regulations should be set at the national level, not on a state-by-state basis, as Proposition 37 would mandate in California.  To learn more about General Mills’ position on Proposition 37, we encourage you to read more here.

We welcome your constructive, respectful feedback and will make sure that your comments are shared with General Mills.  For further questions or to share your comments, please contact us.

Simply yours,
The LÄRABAR Team

My issue with this missive is if you oppose state labeling why not spearhead national labeling?  Would it be so hard to spend some of that money to lobby for nationwide labeling?  Show the consumer community that you don't have anything to hide.

That is my rant for today, it has been sitting in the pit of my stomach all week.

To get a bigger breakdown of who owns the organic industry see this chart.

Tweet