Celebrity Chef Jeffrey Nimer Announces Defeat of Proposition 37

Jeffrey Nimer of Haute Chefs LA explains Proposition 37, a bill that would require mandatory labeling of genetically altered food, and how it was narrowly defeated in the 2012 election; Nimer encourages diners in all states to demand action as research is insufficient to declare GMOs safe for long-term consumption.

Proposition 37, as explained by Chef Jeffrey Nimer, is a bill that narrowly failed passage in the 2012 election. This bill would have mandated labeling on all foods, processed or raw, that were derived from any genetically modified source. Jeffrey Nimer reports that the bill excluded Certified Organic produce and other farm raised foods as well as animal products where the animal had been fed a diet of modified foods.

In addition to pointing out the GMO status of foods, Jeffrey Nimer notes that the bill would have prohibited marketing any processed foods as œNatural. The bill excluded alcoholic beverages and dishes serves in dining establishments.

Jeffrey Nimer explains that the bill provided an estimated fiscal impact to the state of California. In summary, changes enacted due to the bill would have cost the state anywhere from a œa few hundred thousand dollars to $1 million or more. According to Jeffrey Nimer, additional costs outlined included potential legal fees associated with the litigation against those found in non-compliance.

Jeffrey Nimer was, and remains, an avid supporter of the bill. Other notables in favor of Proposition 37 included the Organic Consumers Association, Nature's Path, the California Democratic Party, and Food, Inc. “ a documentary film focused on how food is processed in America. These supporters, claim Jeffrey Nimer, argued that consumers should be aware of what they are eating, consumers need to understand their risks of potential allergens in these foods, and the fact that nearly four dozen countries already require GMO labeling.

As of the week prior to the bill's defeat, Jeffrey Nimer says that donors in favor Prop 37 had contributed over $8 million. The biggest donors were the Organic Consumer's Fund ($1,334,000), Mercola Health Resources ($1,115,000), and Kent Wheatly ($1,000,000).

Jeffrey Nimer notes that the opposition raised a total of over $45.5 million to thwart its inception. The single largest donor to the opposition fund was Monstanto, reports Jeffrey Nimer. Monsanto contributed over $8 million, followed by a $5.4 million pledge by EI Dupont De Nemours & Co. Other prominent supporter of the bill included household names like Kraft, General Mills, and Hormel.

Despite this massive funding gap, Jeffrey Nimer explains that the bill came in just 378,584 votes shy of a victory.

Jeffrey Nimer is the founder of Haute Chefs, an exclusive catering and personal food services firm in Los Angeles. Through Haute Chefs, Jeffrey Nimer conceives and creates dishes suitable for Hollywood Royalty. Nimer is also the brain behind the culinary social media site, socialculinaire.com.

Contact:

Jeffrey Nimer

3940 Laurel Canyon Blvd. #182

Studio City, California 91604