Dr. Oz Endorses GMO Labeling

"Right now we have no way of knowing which foods have been genetically modified. I believe you should have that right," said Dr. Oz, at the conclusion of the segment, titled GMO Foods: Are They Dangerous to Your Health? "I prefer to be cautious."

Framed as a debate, the show featured Gary Hirshberg, chair of Just Label It, the national coalition for GE food labeling. Hirshberg noted, "Americans deserve this basic right to know. People should have the information they need to make an informed decision about the food they eat and feed their families. Americans should not be kept in the dark."

Joining Hirshberg in support of labeling were Dr. Robin Bernhoft, American Academy of Environmental Medicine, and Jeffrey Smith, Institute for Responsible Technology. Representing the opposing view were two scientists from the University of California.

"Dr. Oz's leadership and courage need to be acknowledged," Hirshberg added. "In speaking out in support of our right to know, and in recognizing the need for labeling, Dr. Oz has gone far beyond the American Medical Association and other American health care organizations. He has forged the path forward for the entire medical community to support this common-sense measure for American consumers."

Hirshberg noted that momentum is mounting nationwide for greater transparency in our food -- from California, where Prop 37 is on the November ballot, to Washington D.C, where Just Label It is building upon the comments from 1.2 million Americans to the FDA in support of mandatory federal GMO labeling. "This all points to one simple message: Americans want the right to know what is in our food," said Hirshberg.

Source: Copyright PRNewswire-USNewswire 2012