Dr. Oz Endorses GMO Labeling

Dr. Oz Endorses GMO Labeling

Propels Issue Onto National Stage During Election Season

Momentum Mounts for Consumers' Right to Know





WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. Mehmet Oz, the host of the nationally syndicated TV program, The Dr. Oz Show, today endorsed genetically engineered (GE) food labeling, a fundamental right already in place in 50 countries around the world, including all of Europe, Japan, India and China.

"Right now we have no way of knowing which foods have been genetically modified. I believe you should have that right," said Dr. Oz, at the conclusion of the segment, titled GMO Foods: Are They Dangerous to Your Health? "I prefer to be cautious."

Framed as a debate, the show featured Gary Hirshberg, chair of Just Label It, the national coalition for GE food labeling. Hirshberg noted, "Americans deserve this basic right to know. People should have the information they need to make an informed decision about the food they eat and feed their families. Americans should not be kept in the dark."

Joining Hirshberg in support of labeling were Dr. Robin Bernhoft, American Academy of Environmental Medicine, and Jeffrey Smith, Institute for Responsible Technology. Representing the opposing view were two scientists from the University of California.

"Dr. Oz's leadership and courage need to be acknowledged," Hirshberg added. "In speaking out in support of our right to know, and in recognizing the need for labeling, Dr. Oz has gone far beyond the American Medical Association and other American health care organizations. He has forged the path forward for the entire medical community to support this common-sense measure for American consumers."

Hirshberg noted that momentum is mounting nationwide for greater transparency in our food -- from California, where Prop 37 is on the November ballot, to Washington D.C, where Just Label It is building upon the comments from 1.2 million Americans to the FDA in support of mandatory federal GMO labeling. "This all points to one simple message: Americans want the right to know what is in our food," said Hirshberg.

About Just Label It
JUST LABEL IT (JLI) is a national coalition of more than 600 diverse organizations dedicated to the mandatory federal labeling of genetically engineered (GE) foods, also referred to as genetically modified, or GMOs. For updated information, visit the Just Label It website, (www.justlabelit.org), or visit Just Label It on Facebook or Twitter.

SOURCE Just Label It

Just Label It

CONTACT: Sue McGovern, sue@mcgov.com, +1-781-648-7157

Web Site: http://www.justlabelit.org


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