USA: Natural Products Association opposes the right to know

Proposition 37  that would require the labelling of genetically engineered food prohibits companies from labelling a product as “natural” if that product doesn't comply with those requirements. Food that is genetically engineered in a laboratory is not natural, of course. The Natural Products Association (NPA) and the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) oppose the right to know that the label would bring, since each of the inaptly named trade associations are composed of member companies that sell products routinely marketed as “natural” or “all natural,” even though they contain genetically engineered ingredients, since, unlike organic standards, NPA standards do not preclude the use of GMOs, California Right To Know - Yes on Prop 37 reports. One prominent member of NPA is DuPont, which has already contributed nearly US$5 million to the “No on 37 campaign”.

NPA's position is in direct contrast with its mission since 1936 to protect and advance the healthiest quality products for health conscious, natural products consumers who want to know what is in their food and supplements. NPA falsely claims that “Proposition 37 places every supplier, manufacturer, and retailer of food products at risk of unreasonable and frivolous litigation.” They also claim that Prop 37 “includes bounty hunter enforcement provisions", which it does not, according to California Right To Know - Yes on Prop 37. More information is available here: California Right To Know - Yes on Prop 37