Reader: Prop 105 Is About Scientific Illiteracy and Irrational Fear

Have you decided how you're voting on Proposition 105, the ballot measure that would require food that has been genetically modified or treated with genetically modified material to be labeled "Produced With Genetic Engineering." This week, Chipotle officially endorsed 105-- which does not apply to restaurants. "Fundamentally, we believe that...

By Patricia Calhoun

October 17, 2014

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Have you decided how you're voting on Proposition 105, the ballot measure that would require food that has been genetically modified or treated with genetically modified material to be labeled "Produced With Genetic Engineering." This week, Chipotle officially endorsed 105-- which does not apply to restaurants. "Fundamentally, we believe that people have a right to know what's in the food they eat," chairman and co-CEO Steve Ells said in a statement announcing Chipotle's position. "Consumers want this information, and we are already giving it to them. But well-funded opposition groups continue to fight labeling efforts, with opponents putting their own profits ahead of consumer preferences." See also: Chipotle Founder Steve Ells's $85,000 Investment That Foiled the World

But that position just added fuel to a very fiery debate over Proposition 105. Here's an excerpt from the hundred comments (and counting) posted in response to the Chipotle endorsement story.

Says Jake:

This isn't about knowing what's in your food. It's about scientific illiteracy and irrational fear.

Responds lacsuhta:

So do you consider all 64 other countries around the world who label genetically engineered food to be scientifically illiterate with irrational fear? All of Europe? Japan? Brazil? Australia? Russia? China? & the kicker is that U.S. food companies already provide this label & info. to citizens of other countries. Why are Coloradans being left in the dark? If food can be changed so much that it can be patented as something new/different, we have a basic human right to know. I want to know which foods have been treated with neonicotinoid pesticides (virtually all GMOs according to the May issue of Colorado Gardener). Neonicotinoids. Related to nicotine. YES on 105!!!

How are you voting on 105? What do you think it's important for voters to know about the proposal?

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Patricia Calhoun is editor-in-chief of Westword, the alt-weekly she co-founded in September 1977. She’s been inducted into the Colorado Press Association Hall of Fame, the Association of Alternative Newsmedia Hall of Fame and the Colorado Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. She’s also received dozens of local, state and national awards for writing, including first place for feature writing and first place for column writing with the Society of Professional Journalists. Patricia is a weekly commentator on Colorado Inside Out, PBS 12's public affairs roundtable, which has won two Emmys.

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