The final vote tally on an Oregon ballot measure that would require labeling of foods made with genetically modified ingredients was so close that state officials are doing a recount, a spokesman for the state said on Tuesday. Final results show the Oregon measure losing by 812 votes out of a total of more than 1.5 million votes, according to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office. “State law says that if the margin is no more than one-fifth of 1 percent of the total votes cast in that election…then there shall be an automatic hand recount,” said Tony Green, spokesman for the secretary of state’s office. The recount is to take place Dec. 2-12, he said.
Oregon is one of many states where mandatory labeling of foods made with genetically modified ingredients has been pursued.
Vermont lawmakers passed a GMO labeling law earlier this year. Labeling proponents are also seeking a federal mandate for labeling GMO foods.
Full Article: Vote tally too close, recount ordered on Oregon GMO labeling | Reuters.