GE Labeling: A Losing Proposition

California’s Proposition 37, which would have required labeling of certain “genetically engineered” (GE) foods, was recently voted down 53.1% to 46.9%.

Advocates of labeling claimed that GE foods are somehow “unnatural” and might be unsafe. And what could be wrong with letting consumers know what’s in their food and letting them decide what to buy? Actually, plenty.

For starters, GE foods are not in any way a meaningful “category,” which makes any ch…