Senate Vote on GMO Amendment and March Against Monsanto

The idea is simple: If you aren’t doing anything wrong, you don’t have anything to be ashamed of. However, a significant majority of the United States Senators do not feel that this applies to companies producing genetically modified organisms (GMO).

The senate voted down a part of the farm bill that would have given states the authority to require labeling on foods that contains genetically modified ingredients.

Two states already require labeling, but Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who sponsored the bill, said that “local leaders fear that large biotech corporations such as Monsanto could sue the states on the grounds that they are preempting federal authority. He said his bill would make clear that states can do what they want on the issue,” an article on the senate vote said.

Over 60 countries around the world already require labeling, including the European Union. “The Biotechnology Industry Organization, a lobbying group that represents Monsanto, DuPont & Co. and other makers of genetically modified seeds, has said that it supports voluntary labeling for people who seek out such products. But it says that mandatory labeling would only mislead or confuse consumers into thinking the products aren’t safe, even though the FDA has said there’s no difference between GMO and organic, non-GMO foods,” the article continued.

Thus, the 71-27 vote against the amendment. Both Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) were in the majority vote against allowing states to require labeling. If you would like to reach out to the senators from Texas and let them know your stance on the issue, you can find there contact forms here and here. Their addresses and phone numbers are also listed on the website.

Following the vote, protesters gather around the world for a pre-planned ‘March Against Monsanto’.  According to USA Today, organizers of the march said that there were protests in 52 countries and 436 cities.

“Genetically modified plants are grown from seeds that are engineered to resist insecticides and herbicides, add nutritional benefits or otherwise improve crop yields and increase the global food supply.
Most corn, soybean and cotton crops grown in the United States today have been genetically modified. But critics say genetically modified organisms can lead to serious health conditions and harm the environment. The use of GMOs has been a growing issue of contention in recent years, with health advocates pushing for mandatory labeling of genetically modified products even though the federal government and many scientists say the technology is safe,” the Associated Press reported.

While the Food and Drug Administration has deemed GMOs safe for consumption, there has been research in other parts of the world that challenges this, and find GMOs to be potentially harmful. Corrective Chiropractic strives to inform our patients and audience about relevant health news and encourage them to be aware of their food choices in order to help them make more informed decisions. In addition to spinal health, we promote a holistic, all-natural lifestyle. For more information on GMO, what they mean for you and your family, and other ways to live your life more proactive and naturally, call our office today at (512) 263-0040 to set up a free consultation.