Labeling is an act of accountability

Thank you for publishing the Los Angeles Times article on genetically modified foods (GMOs) and food labeling (“Battle over engineered food heading to voters,” July 22).

It is reassuring to know that nine of 10 U.S. consumers support labeling. Labeling is an act of accountability for both sides of the purchase transaction. The mainstream food industry claims to see little or no value for consumers in disclosing the ingredient facts, so they work diligently to retain the status quo, when in truth they are worried product brand reputations will be hurt by association with GMOs.

To food industry corporate leaders, I say stop fighting the information age. The initiative called Proposition 37 will win. Save the millions of dollars you plan to spend in opposition and lower your prices to more accurately represent the cost of your products. To the consumer, I say take control over how and why you purchase products. Be an informed consumer. Every dollar you spend is a vote.

Richard Hanson

Cedar Rapids

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