Skip to main content

Prop 37: The California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act

Support Provided By
Photo courtesy glue & glitter
Photo courtesy glue & glitter

The highly-anticipated California ballot initiative known as Right to Know has been assigned a number: it is Prop 37.

Expect to see plenty of "Yes on 37" stickers and signs at your local farmers' market between now and November -- and even more "No on 37" commercials on TV.

If 37 passes, food products using genetically modified ingredients would be labeled as such. Hence the "right to know" moniker: you'd probably be surprised to see how much food you consume was created, at least partly, in a lab.

The companies like make GMOs, particularly Monsanto, have incredibly deep pockets and the best marketers money can buy, so the passing of Prop 37, even in a consumer-friendly state like California, is not a given. And as with any controversial proposal, there is disagreement among the ranks. Some believe that Prop 37 doesn't go far enough, as it won't require labeling on all GMO-adjacent food products, such as beef that was fed modified grains.

We'll keep you updated on any Prop 37 developments and news from now until November. In the meantime, tell us in the poll how you think you'll vote.

Support Provided By