"Transparency in labels:
Vermont passed GMO label law"
~ Cynthia G. Creel
May 10, 2013
My Story:
I just love shopping at a little outlet store. I find some interesting item I may never have found without it being there. Each time I pick up a jar, box or can I look at the label and wish for more information I guess, Tomatoes? Organic or traditional? There is not much transparency most of the time. The few companies that I look at the label that have full information, it is a true delight. I don't mind paying what is fair as long as I am receiving what I think I am buying. I can not peer into the label and know what I am buying unless it is printed on the label Transparency in labeling would be a dream come true. Without a clear label it is like buying a maybe.
Every time I find a manufacturer that lists all or most of the important details, it makes shopping easy. No guesswork, just do I want to buy or put it back on the shelf? It is the freedom and control a proper label affords the buyer that is desirable. The choice is in the buyers hands. That is exactly what Vermont is promoting with a new label law that passed, a transparency from companies to consumers.
Label law passed by judiciary committee in Vermont:
On May 7, 2013 in Vermont the judiciary committee 7-4 passed their GMO labeling bill H.112.(1) The bill moves to the floor of representatives for a full vote.
Label law help with fair trade, are we paying too much?:
The lack of adequate labels leaves any consumer at risk for paying too much for an inferior product and allowing a company to create profits from half truths. Some companies label beyond the requirements of the law while others just skate by not taking the opportunity to fully inform, just keeping the truth hidden below the surface. As seen with lipstick, lead and labels (3) the manufacturers of lipsticks in the United States are not required to individually label the amount of lead or other elements. Currently most often a label to identify a genetically modified organism (GMO) (2) that is purchased states a half truth of yes it is a tomato, what kind is not listed: GMO or not? Each of these make it easy for the company to sell without full disclosure and create the inability to make an educated choice for each consumer purchasing.
Companies are always changing labels and the cost to change a label is part of doing business. Only if the company changes their product would there be an increase in cost. If a company is transparent and has faith that their product is worth what they sell it for, it is likely to not be affected by any change. If a company is producing an inferior product and expecting top dollar because others don't understand what they are purchasing then it will most likely create an adjustment in the price of the product to reflect the true value.
Labeling lead and other :
In California there is a label requirement for exposure to toxic chemicals that may include lead in some products. This helps consumers make better choices, however it is limited in the recognition of the level of exposure and damage to occur Proposition 65 was created in California to help the consumer understand what they were purchasing. According to the The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) (5):
"In 1986, California voters approved an initiative to address their growing concerns about exposure to toxic chemicals. That initiative became the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, better known by its original name of Proposition 65. Proposition 65 requires the State to publish a list of chemicals known to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. This list, which must be updated at least once a year, has grown to include approximately 800 chemicals since it was first published in 1987"
.
" For chemicals that are listed as causing cancer, the "no significant risk level” is defined as the level of exposure that would result in not more than one excess case of cancer in 100,000 individuals exposed to the chemical over a 70-year lifetime. In other words, a person exposed to the chemical at the “no significant risk level” for 70 years would not have more than a “one in 100,000” chance of developing cancer as a result of that exposure."
It is clear that more inforamtion helps the consumer. However, I question the effectiveness over 25 years later just printing on the label the words required by the law with general information this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm may have fallen short of listing what is actually in the product. The association to some harmful substances like lead leading to lead poisoning creating damage may have more impact than saying the product has a chemical that been found to cause cancer. Even if it is simple language a label needs to be clear on what it is warning the consumer about.
Win win situation:
We all win when we know what we are paying for and buying what we really want. It is all about transparency in business. The transparency side effect not only benefits the consumer and helps the company protect their assets with less ability to hid behind a label to present half the information creating gray business practices because they are not required to pass the information on by labeling.
Final words:
The label law in Vermont is all about GMO's, it is a great start for every consumer having a higher ability to understand what product is being purchased. It is the new information that gives the freedom of choice. The darkness that is offered by opaque labeling rather than transparency in labeling only leaves the consumer in the dark grasping for straws. The freedoms of full information helps us all and yet we will still have the freedom to ignore. If information is lost over time the effectiveness of a label may fade. Clear, explicit, simple language is a plus in helping to decide which product to purchase. Our freedom of choice is affected by lack of proper labels. It would be best if companies just automatically included all relevant information to help the consumer, if not we must demand it.
Be proactive. Understand what your risks are for yourself and your children. Children are always at higher risk with limited abilities and experience. Parents and guardians are the first line of defense for children to protect them from others and themselves. Keep our children safe helps keep us safe.
Discover a new world. Help yourself, help your children, help the world, step on to the Path of True Health and vote with your dollars which cosmetics are purchased helps create the world you want to live in, to create a world you will love to live in. I do, and I like the world I am helping to create. Together we can create a better life for all to remember over their entire lifetime Together we can protect what we have so we don’t need to live in a world that is second rate.
By Design ~ “Life is good By Design”
Photo creation by Cynthia G. Creel all rights reserved ©2013
all rights reserved ©2013 written permission is needed to duplicate
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of By Design or Cynthia G. Creel. Consultation of a medical professional is highly recommended before any changes are considered. This article is not saying anyone person in a leadership position is unhealthy or healthy, it is just a possibly of many and is only speaking in general terms. .Note: No company mentioned in this article is considered to serve “healthy or unhealthy” food, any examples given was only used as an example of how business works though their history and public information. The focus is only to help explain a idea. Statements and conclusions of any study authors that are presented are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Cynthia G. Creel or any means the information is published. There is no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability.
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Sources:
(1) http://www.leg.state.vt.us/database/status/rcdetail.cfm?Session=2014&RollCallID=673
(2) http://lifeisgoodbydesign.blogspot.com/2013/05/one-company-can-affect-world-are.html
(3) http://lifeisgoodbydesign.blogspot.com/2013/05/kiss-of-lead-titanium-and-aluminum-oh.htm
(4) http://oehha.ca.gov/prop65/pdf/P65Plain.pdf
(5) http://oehha.ca.gov/prop65/background/p65plain.html
(6) http://oehha.ca.gov/prop65/law/pdf_zip/RegsArt6.pdf
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