Science On Side Of Labeling

The gold standard for establishing that facts are true is a peer reviewed scientific study. In this process several scientists that are familiar with the subject go over the study with a fine toothed comb and criticize what they see as faults. The scientist doing the study must answer the reviewers and may have to repeat parts of the study before it is accepted for publication.

Studies done by a company or supported by a company may be flawed. Ralph Walton MD conducted a peer review of 166 aspartame studies related to human safety. All of the industry funded research concluded that aspartame is safe, and, 92% of the independently funded studies found at least one problem. He who pays the piper calls the tune.

A couple of genetic engineers looked at the marketing claims of biotech companies extolling the virtues of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). They used objective data and peer reviewed studies to show that the marketing claims are not supported by hard science. See their report "GMO Myths and Truths" at www.earthopensource.org.

Monsanto is a master at pseudoscience or technology marketing, using their biotechnology data for marketing the products of their labs. They use lots of data and charts with the pretense of being scientific, but it's really just marketing, not trustworthy science. They also generously fund a number of pseudoscientific organizations that publish unreviewed studies as if they are "real science". GMO proponents give "scientific" citations of other industry supported studies to defend the benefits of GM crops that amount to multiple layers of industry bias. When a proponent of GMOs (or an opponent of labeling GMO food) gives you a "scientific" reference, follow the money.

The solid, responsible science points to problems with the GMO technology and the resulting food. Independent scientists call for precaution. How can we exercise that caution when the food isn't labeled? The California Right to Know Proposition 37 requires labeling of food containing GMOs and gives consumers the ability to choose. Vote Yes for Proposition 37 in November.

Ron Whitehurst

And see VC Star Wrong on Prop 37

Biotech cheer leaders