California Voters Overwhelmingly Reject Prop 37

SACRAMENTO, Calif.California voters yesterday overwhelmingly rejected the hotly debated Proposition 37, which would have required manufacturers of food and beverageswhether those foods are raw or processedto disclose use of any genetically modified (GM) ingredients in a clear and conspicuous" manner.

The measure, which was defeated 53% to 47%, also would have forbade the use of natural" in connection with any products that require GM-ingredient labeling.

In September, the measure still had widespread support with 61% of registered voters saying they supported Prop 37, while only 25% of respondents opposed it, a previous USC Dornsife/LA Times poll found.

It's obvious spending by the campaign against the labeling measure has made a big difference. Opponents have contributed $41 million while proponents have only reported $6.7 million in contributions, according to the Times. Critics of the measure have noted that lawsuits filed under Prop 37 wouldn't require a plaintiff to establish damages or follow procedures that are found in similar laws. Fears also were raised that Prop 37 would affect a broader category of foods that aren't genetically engineered. Proponents of the measure were hopeful that passage of Prop 37 would lead to a federal standard requiring labeling of genetically engineered foods since no such requirement exists today in the United States.

Leading up to yesterdays vote, the measure was a hotbed of legal wrangling. On Nov. 2, the U.S. Department of Justice on denied investigating a complaint related to potential false advertising by the campaign against California's Proposition 37. However, the same day, Stacy Malkan of the Yes on 37 campaign said the Federal Bureau of Investigation was looking into allegations that opponents of Prop 37 had misrepresented the position of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in connection with the ballot initiative and affixed the FDA seal in campaign propaganda. Benjamin B. Wagner, U.S. Attorney with the Eastern District of California, today acknowledged receiving a complaint about misuse of the FDA seal in a campaign advertisement but said the matter had been referred to the food and drug agency.

For some more perspectives on genetically modified crops and Proposition 37, read our recent coverage below.

A History of Genetically Modified Crops

New Poll Shows Wide Support for Proposition 37

Food Labeling Update: Proposition 37 Support Waning

Campaign Finance: Prop 37 Opponents Leave Advocates in Dust

The GM Labeling Debate, Part 1: No on 37

The GM Labeling Debate, Part 2: Yes on 37

Professor: Prop 37 to Subject Most Packaged Foods to Labeling

Whole Foods Market, UNFI Express Support for Prop 37

"Natural" Lights up Prop 37 Debate