For Immediate Release: October 12, 2012
Contact: Tom Fendley, 415-622-7843, tom@carighttoknow.org

Oakland, Oct. 12, 2012 -- California Democratic Reps. Brad Sherman and Howard Berman, embroiled in a bitter election battle for the 30^th District Congressional seat in Los Angeles, nearly devolved into a physical altercation last night during a debate.  They are in strong agreement, however, on at least one high-profile issue: Californians have a right to know what they are eating and feeding their families.

Sherman and Berman each officially endorsed Proposition 37, the measure that will label genetically engineered foods and prohibit such foods from being marketed as “natural.”  They commented on Prop 37 the day before Thursday's altercation.

"Consumers deserve the opportunity to make informed decisions about what foods they want to eat. Proposition 37 provides this opportunity,” said Rep Sherman.

"Consumers have a right to know the contents of the food they consume and how that food is produced,” said Rep Berman.  “Transparency makes for informed consumers, and Prop. 37 is a step in the right direction.  It will help Californians make informed decisions about the food they provide for their families.”

The comments from Reps Berman and Sherman came immediately prior to Thursday night's forum, where police felt the need to separate them.

“Reps Sherman and Berman’s support for Prop 37 shows they are both willing to stand up to the millions being spent on misleading TV ads by our pesticide and junk food industry opponents,” said Tom Fendley, political director for Proposition 37.  “Proposition 37 is indeed very simple: give consumers more information so we can decide for ourselves if we’d like to eat genetically engineered foods and feed them to their families.”

61 countries already require labeling of GMO foods, including China, Russia, and all European Union countries.  Despite overwhelming public support, the FDA has refused to require labeling in the U.S.