A proposition seeking the labeling of foods containing genetically modified organisms will be on the November ballot, the Colorado Secretary of State said Wednesday.
Signatures were verified for the ballot initiative — Proposition 105 — according to the group, meaning the question will go before voters in this year’s elections.
“We did it!” Right to Know Colorado, which is backing the effort, said in a Facebook post.
The proposition is now one of four that will be on the November ballot, including one asking voters to recognize unborn children as persons and another establishing an education fund financed by expanded gaming at horse racetracks.
A proposition seeking to make open to the public any school board or district meeting where a collective bargaining agreement is discussed was also approved for the ballot earlier this month.
Prop 105 asks voters if foods modified or treated with genetically modified materials should be labeled “Produced With Genetic Engineering” starting July 1, 2016.
Foods from animals that are not genetically modified but have been fed or injected with genetically modified food or drugs are exempt, as are unpackaged foods for immediate consumption, alcoholic beverages, food for animals and medically prescribed foods.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment would be responsible for regulating the labeling under the proposed statue.
Petitioners needed 86,105 valid signatures for a measure to be added to the ballot and were due to the Secretary of State Aug. 4. Right to Know Colorado said that it submitted 171,370 signatures and had a 73 percent validity rate.
“Proposition 105 will absolutely raise food prices to the tune of hundreds of dollars per year for a family of four,”said Sara Froelich, spokeswoman for the Colorado-based Coalition Against the Misleading Labeling Initiative. “We have a broad coalition who are very concerned about Proposition 105.”
The coalition includes local farm, food industry and biotechnology associations, Froelich said, as well as several national food organizations. The group says the proposition has the potential to provide “bad information” to consumers.
Vermont, Connecticut and Maine all require the labeling and voters in Oregon will decide this fall whether to require it as well, according to The Associated Press.
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or twitter.com/jesseapaul
