Measure 92 Reflection

Measure 92 is an initiative that would require food in Oregon to be labeled telling if it was a genetically engineered organism (GMO) or not. The measure is based on the idea that consumers have the right to know what goes into their food. While it is important to know this information about the food we eat, it could cause a complex and misleading food labeling system only required in Oregon.

People who want the bill passed have several main points. Supporters wish to promote food safety and public heath, inform consumers on possible environmental impacts reduce and prevent consumer confusion and deception, promoting and protecting non-genetically engineered markets, provide consumers with data so they can make informed decisions for a variety of reasons, and allow consumers to make informed decisions. [Section 2: statement of purposes, section 2 A-E] Another thing supporters believe is that because 64 other countries have it, including China, India, and Australia, label GMO's, [Section 1: findings and declaration, section 3] Oregon should too. However, not a single state in the U.S. has GMO labeling.

While supporters have valid points, I disagree with the act and stand against it. I feel like throughout the bill, the writers are trying to imply drastic health problems if you consume genetically engineered foods, however, they cannot prove it and no studies have been done. [Section 1: findings and declarations, subsection 4] In section one: findings and declarations, subsection 5, I quote the writers saying 'mixing plant, animal, bacterial, and viral genes through genetic engineering in combinations that do not occur in nature may reproduce results that lead to adverse health or environmental consequences." but the authors never give proven examples which makes this entire section sound like pure speculation. Also in that quote, the writers use the word may, making it seem even more like speculation. This instills fear in people who