Monsanto Gives 4.2 Million To Crush GMO Labeling Initiative

Last week’s least surprising news story? Monsanto has now confirmed to have donated $4.2 million in an attempt to fight the California GMO labeling initiative that could very well put them out of business. You see, if people actually knew that they were consuming genetically modified ingredients, they would simply stop buying the engineered products on a massive scale. Monsanto simply cannot have that, which is why it is doing its best to squash any possibility of a successful labeling initiative (along with a conglomerate of corporate entities).

Preservative May Make Bananas Not Vegan

At the National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society this week, scientists unveiled a spray that reportedly will keep bananas from ripening for up to 12 extra days by killing the bacteria that causes the fruit to turn brown so quickly.  The coating includes chitosan, a derivative of shrimp and crab shells, so if the coating reaches the banana (not just the peel), the fruit would no longer be considered vegan. Additionally, shellfish and seafood are two of the most common causes of allergies.

Once (if) this preservative goes to market, vegans will probably want to buy organic bananas only, as these will not be affected…

Wash Your Organic Produce. No, Really.

Since organic produce isn’t any more or less likely than conventional to carry a scary disease, and since even organic fruits and veggies might contain traces of pesticides on their skins, always wash it, just like you would any other produce.

18 Companies That Oppose GMO Food Labeling

A veritable grocery aisle Who’s Who have coughed up nearly $10 million in the first half of 2012 to defeat Prop 37, the California ballot measure that would force food companies to label anything they sell that’s made with Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). So who’s paying to keep consumers in the dark about GMOs?  Check out the slideshow here!

…and for even more info about GMOs, please check out the Vegan Daily News GMO page here!

Bhutan Aims to Be First Country With 100% Organic Agriculture

Bhutan is taking another interesting step towards creating a more ecological sustainable world. NPR reports that the tiny Himalayan nation, sandwiched between India and China and probably best known for promoting Gross National Happiness as a measurement of national progress, is attempting to make the transition to only employing organic agricultural methods.

California GMO Labeling Law Successfully Makes It Onto Ballot

The California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act, also known as the GMO labeling initiative, will appear as Proposition 37 in the November 6 elections.  California could become the first state in the nation to require labeling of foods that include genetically modified ingredients, much to the dismay of most large scale food and GMO seed manufacturers.  If the California initiative passes, the US could be on our way to getting GMO-tainted products labeled, just as is required by almost all other industrialized nations.

Groups Push For Vote On GMO Food Labels

A California initiative to require labeling of foods containing genetically modified ingredients appeared headed for the ballot in November. Monsanto and other players in the biotech crop industry, as well as food companies and retailers, oppose labeling measures, saying they would be costly and confusing to consumers.

"Why Buy Certified Organic?" - California Certified Organic Farmers Launches Awareness Campaign

CCOF is the nation’s leader in organic certification.  “We want consumers to know that when they see the CCOF or USDA certified organic logo, they are truly getting organic products because our farmers must meet strict, verifiable farming practices to be allowed to display that label.”