To the editor:
In response to the article ”Fight over GMO Labeling Heats Up”, I was happy to see more public discussion about — and what I understood as support for — GMO labeling.
As an environmental studies student on Long Island, GMO labeling concerns me deeply. I personally feel that genetically modified organisms in our food is an environmental as well as human health risk. The effects of genetically modified foods on our health is not necessarily the main concern; what’s troubling is the effect of GMOs on our food system. Harsh pesticides are required to engineer genetically modified crops, which harms our collective land, water, and air. These toxic chemicals make their way into our food and water.
We frankly rely too much on GMOs; nearly 80 percent of foods in American grocery stores contain genetically modified ingredients. However, as consumers, we’re left in the dark about which particular foods contain these genetically modified organisms. Right now, New York has the chance to change this. Assembly Bill A.617 will require mandatory labeling of any genetically modified foods sold in New York State. Passing this bill will not outlaw GMOs or keep people from buying their favorite items—it will simply inform the public of what they are actually putting on their dinner tables.
Therefore, I urge Assemblymember McKevitt to support Assembly Bill A. 617 to label GMOs when it comes to vote in the Codes committee. He voted against the bill in the Consumer Affairs committee, which seems very odd to me being that this is inherently a consumer advocacy issue. Nevertheless, I believe Assemblymember McKevitt should change his position on GMO labeling, vote yes in the Codes committee, and cosponsor the bill.
Alicia Legland
Deer Park
To the editor:
This letter is in response to the article “Fight over GMO Labeling Heats Up” (Mar 15.) My name is Dana and as a young adult in today’s world, I am extremely concerned about the food we are feeding ourselves and our families and I believe that we all have the right to know what is in the food we eat. Without GMO labeling, we are left dining in the dark.
The U.S. lags behind 64 countries, including the European Union, Australia, Japan, China, Russia, and India. These countries already require GMO labeling and keep consumers informed about what is in their food. Alaska, Connecticut, Maine, and Vermont already have labeling laws. New York must follow suit.
I urge Assembly Member McKevitt to support GMO labeling by co-sponsoring Assembly Bill 617. He has consistently voted against this GMO labeling bill in the past and I hope that if he hears from more people of the community regarding this issue and hears about how much of an issue it is that the food we eat is not labeled, maybe he will reconsider his decision.
Dana Gilkes
Baldwin
To the editor:
My name is Anais and I am working in my community to pass Assembly bill 617, which would make GMO labeling mandatory across New York state. I feel personally committed to this issue, because I was born and raised in France, where regulations regarding GMOs are tougher and products can only be authorized on the market by a special oversight EU organization.
It is shocking to know that the U.S. lags behind 64 countries, including the European Union, Japan and India, which already require GMO labeling and keep consumers informed about what is in their food. Alaska, Connecticut, Maine and Vermont already have labeling laws. That is why New York must follow suit.
For all those reasons, I strongly believe that it is our right as consumers to know what is in our food and to make the decision on our own if we want to eat GMO products or not. That is why I am thrilled to see this article that mentions the rally that took place on Tuesday, March 8 in order to show support for the bill. The bill’s goal is not to ban GMOs, but simply give every American the right to choose their food. It is even more urgent when it is known that 90 percent of consumers support GMO labeling.
Therefore, I urge Assembly Member McKevitt to support GMO labeling by voting yes in the Codes committee and co-sponsoring Bill 617.
Anais Ballanger
Garden City
