Why Prop 37 Was Defeated in California.
Sixty countries across the world label groceries containing genetically
engineered ingredients, so that consumers can know what is in their
food and make their own choices about what they eat. For months, it
seemed almost certain that California would be the first U.S. state to
join them.
Statewide polls showed that Proposition 37, a ballot
initiative to label genetically engineered (GMO) foods, enjoyed support
from more than 65 percent of Californians. But six weeks before the
election, everything changed. With Monsanto leading the way, the world's
wealthiest biotech, agrochemical and processed foods companies raised
$46,000,000 to defeat Prop 37.
Their misleading ad campaign falsely implied that the World Health
Organization had endorsed GMO foods as safe, and that the Food and Drug
Administration opposed the ballot initiative. Of course, the mainstream
media did not object.
It worked. After weeks of statewide ad runs, the poll numbers flipped, and Prop 37 was defeated.
Big companies like Monsanto spend millions of dollars to skew the truth and keep consumers in the dark.
Their misleading ad campaign falsely implied that the World Health Organization had endorsed GMO foods as safe, and that the Food and Drug Administration opposed the ballot initiative. Of course, the mainstream media did not object.
It worked. After weeks of statewide ad runs, the poll numbers flipped, and Prop 37 was defeated.
Big companies like Monsanto spend millions of dollars to skew the truth and keep consumers in the dark.
