Tag: GMO
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Hawaii Mayor Vetoes Measure Curbing Pesticides, GMO Crops
The mayor of Kauai County, Hawaii, has vetoed a bill that sought to restrict pesticide use by agricultural companies developing genetically modified (GM) crops on the island. The bill would have required biotechnology crop companies to disclose what pesticides they use and established no-spray zones around schools, residences, medical facilities, roads, and waterways. Although the…
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Washington State Rejects GM Labeling
Washington state voters have reportedly rejected a ballot initiative that would have required front-of-package labeling for genetically modified (GM) food products, seeds and other agricultural commodities. According to the Washington Secretary of State, 53 percent of voters ultimately opposed the initiative, which was hotly contested by consumer advocates, food companies, physicians, and farmers in the…
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NYT Highlights Growth in GM Yeast Applications
A recent New York Times article focused on advances in synthetic biology has claimed that the exponential growth in genetically modified (GM) yeast applications “could revolutionize the production of some of the most sought-after flavors and fragrances,” including vanilla, saffron, patchouli, and stevia. According to the October 20, 2013, article, food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies…
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LA City Council to Consider Ban on GM Seeds and Plants
Los Angeles city council members Paul Koretz and Mitch O’Farrell have reportedly introduced a motion that would call on the city attorney to “prepare and present an ordinance which would prohibit the growth of genetically modified (GM) crops within city limits. Specifically, the ordinance should prohibit each [of] the following practices related to the growing…
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Monsanto GE Wheat Cases Consolidated Before Kansas MDL Court
The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) has ordered the transfer of five cases brought by wheat farmers who allege economic injuries due to lower wheat prices, import restrictions and increased production costs after genetically engineered (GE) wheat was discovered in an Oregon farmer’s field; pretrial matters will be heard by a multidistrict litigation (MDL)…
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Federal Court Refuses to Stay Three Suits Challenging “100% Natural” Labels
A federal court in California has denied the request of General Mills, Inc. to stay the proceedings in three putative class actions alleging that it misleads consumers by promoting various products as “100% Natural” given ingredients that are genetically modified or highly processed, such as high-fructose corn syrup, high-maltose corn syrup and maltodextrin. Rojas v.…
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JPML Considers Request to Transfer Monsanto GM Wheat Suits
The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) recently heard argument on the Center for Food Safety’s motion to transfer to a multidistrict litigation (MDL) court pending lawsuits against Monsanto Co. involving the genetically modified (GM) wheat that appeared in an Oregon farmer’s conventional wheat field and briefly disrupted exports to some of the nation’s…
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Cargill to Settle Claims That “Natural” Ads for Truvia® Sweetener Are Misleading
While continuing to deny that its labeling and marketing for Truvia® sweetener products misled consumers, Cargill has apparently agreed to settle a putative nationwide class action alleging consumer fraud and breach of warranty. Martin v. Cargill, Inc., No. 13-2563 (D. Minn., preliminary agreement filed September 19, 2013). The plaintiffs claimed that the products are not…