To the Editor:

Recently, I asked State Senator Patty Ritchie to support New York State legislation (S:0485) requiring the labeling of genetically modified foods. In her letter of response, she said she “will look deeper into the science and study behind genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the effects they have on the foods we enjoy.”

This response from Senator Ritchie, Chair of the NYS Senate Agriculture Committee, is puzzling for several reasons:

1. The legislation is related to labeling, not prohibiting GMO foods. Ingredients are required to be listed on the package. An ingredient and its GMO counterpart (for example, corn and GMO corn) are genetically different. The inventor spent a great deal of money and time researching, engineering, and patenting the altered substance. The correct ingredient should be listed on the food package (for example, “GMO corn,” not “corn”). Vermont is already requiring labeling of GMO foods.

2. The Chair of the Agriculture Committee should already be familiar with the science and whatever studies exist on GMO foods. Unfortunately, too little is known about the long-term effects of GMO foods. By refusing to support labeling, the Chair is asking us all to serve as unwitting guinea pigs — uninformed test subjects — in the “study” of long-term effects of GMOs. Every consumer has the right to choose and to avoid GMO food: impossible without labeling!

3. The question isn’t about “the effects on foods”; it’s about the effects on us!

4. Like the officials in Michigan who refused to inform the people of Flint about the substances in their water, our elected officials will eventually be held accountable and in disgrace if they refuse to require accurate labeling of genetically engineered foods.

If you agree, please write a note that simply says, “Support and vote for labeling of GMO foods.” Send it to: State Senator Patty Ritchie, Room 412 Legislative Office Building, New York State Senate, Albany, NY 12247.

Lila G. Hunnewell

Canton