United States – Monsanto’s Dream Bill (H.R.1599) Restricting GMO labeling on Food

September 28, 2015

By Padmini Arhant

The multinational corporation Monsanto known for manufacturing and distributing genetically modified food (GMO – genetically modified organisms) besides promoting growth hormones in animal husbandry viz. poultry and cattle farm in addition to chemical fertilizers and pesticides affecting health and environment has passed the dream bill (H.R.1599) in the House of Congress.

Monsanto’s Dream bill (H.R.1599) overrides the requirement for food industry to label items containing GMO and artificial substances in the product.

The food sector investments in lobbying Congress is aimed at removing mandatory labeling on food with GMO ingredients and continue the existing non-disclosure on GMO contained supply.

Several states in the United States has legislated compulsory GMO food labeling with some already in place while others expected to be effective in the immediate future.

Meanwhile, Monsanto involvement through H.R. 1599 on this issue deny consumer rights about GMO food sold in the marketplace for public consumption.

The bill titled Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act is misleading and clearly circumvent the disclosure requirement.

In fact, upon reviewing details the acronym DARK Act i.e. Deny Americans the Right to Know is apparent in the content withholding relevant facts about food and exclude GMO identification.

The contention on GMO is the absence of complete verifiable data on the process having not been widely tested to guarantee safety. 

Furthermore, with the exception of GMO the nutritional value and important specifics on sugar, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrate, protein and elements that could be allergenic are provided as standard practice to enable consumer choice. 

Corporate strategy on profits at citizens’ expense risking general health is the last straw ignoring ethics and compliance in the overt influence on legislation.

Monsanto reputation on violations of consumers and farmers interests is well established worldwide.

Monsanto directed bill prohibiting consumer related statement on GMO and any other vital declaration for citizens’ knowledge potentially endanger national health.

Monsanto Dream Bill (H.R.1599) passed in the House of Congress and heading for Senate approval seeks federal intervention to invalidate individual states measure across the United States and enact federal law on food labeling voluntary rather than obligatory for corporations and manufacturers in the country and abroad.

The dangerous precedence on corporate secrets exacerbating consumer vulnerability on matter concerning survival leave the population at profiteers’ mercy.

Citizens nationwide are urged to decline Monsanto Dream Bill that targets consumers’ discretion with respect to food components and description.

Please call your Senators and express the need for correct and truthful food labeling.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant