Bill Maher Show on GMO Labeling Features Just Label It Chair Gary Hirshberg

Washington, D.C. (October 19, 2012) – Receiving increasing media attention for the second time this week, the topic of GMO labeling will be the center of national discussion when Bill Maher interviews Just Label It Chair Gary Hirshberg on Friday, October 19th (“Real Time with Bill Maher”, HBO, 10 pm EST).

“Americans have been kept in the dark for more than 15 years as genetically engineered foods were slipped into our food system without our knowledge or consent,” said Hirshberg.  “Americans want what citizens in 50 other countries around the world already have – the fundamental right to know about the food we eat and feed our families.”

Just Label It’s efforts to bring the issue of genetically engineered (GE) food labeling to national attention have included its petition drive in support of the FDA GMO labeling that generated a record-breaking 1.2 million comments in support of labeling.  Just Label It has also endorsed and actively supported California’s historic statewide ballot initiative on GMO labeling (Prop 37).

“Prop 37’s work on the state level, and Just Label It’s work on the federal level are complementary efforts that can be the one-two punch our nation needs to finally break down the barriers facing food transparency in America,” said Hirshberg.

He noted that GE foods labeling must ultimately become national policy. The FDA is charged with regulating GE foods, so the focus of JLI’s national coalition is on mandatory federal labeling of GE foods.  The state-by state approach to labeling will help advance the cause, but it is not enough. State efforts are a step on the path toward finding a solution that ultimately will have to be made on the national level.

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