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Wash. State Voters Reject GMO Labeling Initiative

Toby Talbot
/
Associated Press

Voters in Washington state have rejected a ballot measure requiring mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods.

The campaign over Initiative 522 drew millions of dollars from out of state and was one of the costliest initiative fights in state history.

The measure was failing 46 percent to 54 percent after more ballots were counted Wednesday evening, with the "yes" side trailing by almost 100,000 votes.

Had voters approved I-522, Washington would've been the first state to put in place labeling requirements for genetically modified foods. The opposition raised $22 million to defeat I-522.

Supporters say consumers have the right to know what's in the food they buy, while opponents say the measure would lead to higher food costs.

 

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