Monsanto, Coke, Pepsi, Kraft Foods et al. spend nearly $50 million to defeat Prop 37 in CA; bill would have required labeling of genetically modified foods

French rats fed Monsanto's genetically engineered 'Roundup-
Ready' NK603 — a seed variety made tolerant to Monsanto's
Roundup weedkiller — died early: 50% of male and 70% of
female rats died prematurely, compared with only 30% and
20% in the control group, said the researchers.

Prop 37 backers raised less than $10 million.
     Said the New York Times: "The election in California was closely watched because it had national implications. It could have led to a reduction in the use of genetically modified crops, which account for more than 80 percent of the corn, soybeans and sugar beets grown in the United States. That is because food companies, fearing that some consumers would shun products labeled genetically engineered, would instead reformulate their products to avoid such ingredients."
     Recent studies in Europe have cast doubt on the safety of Monsanto products.