Letters: Prop. 37’s case

Re “Prop. 37 debate is full of baloney,” Column, Sept. 16

I would like to explain why advocates for labeling most genetically modified foods are in the initiative process.

The normal processes of government and democratic participation have failed us. Most Americans want genetically engineered foods to be labeled, yet we can’t get this simple label that 50 other countries already require. More than 1 million people wrote to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration supporting a petition for mandatory labeling — more than any petition in FDA history — yet the FDA has failed to act.

Backed by bipartisan support, 19 states including California have tried to pass such labeling laws; they have been unable to do so because of powerful industry lobbying. It’s time to take this question directly to the people who are buying and eating genetically engineered foods every day.

Stacy Malkan

Oakland

The writer is the media director for the Proposition 37 campaign.

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