Proposition 37

Labeling Genetically Engineered Foods

Click here to create an account and save your votes.

Prop. 37 would require labeling of any raw or processed food that is made from plants or animals which have had their genetic material altered. The measure would prohibit marketing genetically engineered food as "natural". Certain foods are exempted.

Semi-Official Election Results:

Yes: 6,088,714 [ 48.6%]
No: 6,442,371 [51.4%]

Details

Pro/Con
Pro: 

Proponents of Prop. 37 believe that the measure will better inform consumers on what ingredients are in food products. They say the measure will help consumers identify health risks and allergies that may exist with certain ingredients. They also claim that Prop. 37 will bring California into line with industrialized countries around the world that have labeling laws.

Supporters

Californians Right to Know [Website archived in Internet Archive]

Con: 

Opponents of Prop. 37 say that the measure will introduce greater government bureaucracy while raising taxpayer costs and increasing food costs. They claim that the measure will open the door to frivolous lawsuits. They also say that many respected scientific and medical organizations believe that genetically modified foods are safe.

Opponents

No on Prop 37 [Website archived in Internet Archive]

In Depth

Genetic engineering is used to change the genetic material of plants and animals in order to generate food sources. A large number of vegetables produced in the U.S. are grown from genetically engineered seeds. Federal law does not regulate genetically engineered foods but the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture has placed limits on the use of GE crops that have the potential to harm other plants. Similarly, the state of California is not required to regulate genetically engineered foods but the Dept. of Public Health does regulate the safety and labeling of most foods grown in the state.

Proposition 37 changes state law to require the regulation of genetically engineered foods.It requires most genetically engineered foods to be labelled as "Genetically Engineered" upon the front label or package. If the item does not have a label, the words "Genetically Engineered" must appear on the shelf where the item is displayed. Processed foods that are produced through genetic engineering must be labeled with the words “Partially Produced with Genetic Engineering” or “May be Partially Produced with Genetic Engineering.” Genetically engineered products could not be labelled or advertised with terms like "natural" or "naturally grown".

Businesses which sell labelled foods would be responsible for observing that each genetically engineered food product they sell is correctly labeled as such. Products that are not labelled correctly must be documented as "exempt from labeling". Retailers could document a product as exempt by receiving a sworn statement by the provider of the product that the product has not been genetically engineered. Retailers could also obtain certification from an independent reviewer that the product does not contain genetically engineered ingredients.Some food manufacturers and farmers would be responsible for maintaining records.

Under the measure, certain food products are considered exempt from the labeling requirements. This includes animal products that were not produced through genetic engineering, even if they've been fed genetically engineered crops.

Under Proposition 37, the state Dept. of Public Health would be responsible for regulating the labeling requirements of the measure. The department is given authority to adopt regulations it deems as necessary. Prop. 37 includes language regarding enforcement. State or local government, or private parties could prosecute violations and courts are allowed to award prosecuting costs to these parties. The state Consumer Legal Remedies Act would cover individuals who bring suit on genetic engineering labeling violations.

Polling
Voter Resources

Official CA Documents

Official Voter Information Guide

Campaign Finance Information

Cal-Access Check out how much money is being raised and spent to pass or defeat this measure, and where the money is coming from.

Cal-Access Ballot Measure Summary Data Search Select "General 06 November 2012" and "Proposition 037" from the drop-down menus. Cal-Access provides financial information supplied by state candidates, donors, lobbyists, and others.

Nonpartisan Analyses

Ballotpedia

California Initiative Review - Pacific McGeorge Capital Center for Public Law and Policy.

California's Proposition 37: A Legal & Policy Analysis,California Environmental Law and Policy Center, Oct. 2012.

Maplight: Voter's Edge

League of Women Voters: Pros and Cons

Multimedia
Supporters
Yes on Prop 37 - California Right To Know -- Carighttoknow
Yes on Prop 37 - California Right To Know -- Carighttoknow
Yes on Proposition 37 - Breakfast Radio Ad! -- Carighttoknow
Yes on Proposition 37 - Breakfast Radio Ad! -- Carighttoknow
Right to Know: Vote Yes on Prop 37 -- Food & Water Watch
Right to Know: Vote Yes on Prop 37 -- Food & Water Watch
YES on Prop 37 - Just Label It! We Have the Right to Know What We Eat -- Delicious Revolution -- Food & Water Watch
YES on Prop 37 - Just Label It! We Have the Right to Know What We Eat -- Delicious Revolution -- Food & Water Watch
Non-Partisan
Discussion of Statewide Propositions by the League of Women Voters for the November 2012 California Elections -- Cupertino Senior TV Productions</a>
Discussion of Statewide Propositions by the League of Women Voters for the November 2012 California Elections -- Cupertino Senior TV Productions</a>
How could Prop 37 change the labeling of food you buy? -- KCRA 3 - Sacramento, CA
How could Prop 37 change the labeling of food you buy? -- KCRA 3 - Sacramento, CA

Forum With Michael Krasny: Proposition 37
KQED
Opponents
Ask a Farmer
Ask a Farmer
TV: "Complex and Costly"
TV: "Complex and Costly"
New No on 37 Radio: "They're at it Again"
New No on 37 Radio: "They're at it Again"
Benefits -- No on Prop. 37
Benefits -- No on Prop. 37
Labeling -- No on Prop. 37
Labeling -- No on Prop. 37
Safety -- No on Prop. 37
Safety -- No on Prop. 37
Share |