A slim majority in a key group of 20 voters opposes a ballot measure that, if passed, would require genetically engineered food to be labeled in Oregon.

The group, made up of people who reflect Oregon’s voting population, voted 11-9 against the measure in a decision that will be included in the Oregon Voters’ Pamphlet. The Legislature created the citizens’ review process in 2011 after a pilot program in 2008. The panel hears expert testimony on ballot measures before the group votes on them.

Ballot Measure 92 wouldn’t require alcohol or prepared restaurant food to be labeled. It is likely to be one of the most hotly contested measures on the Oregon ballot this November. …

Some panelists who voted against the measure did so because “meat and dairy products from animals that have been raised and fed with genetically engineered feed and grain will not be labeled (genetically modified).” …

“We believe a majority of Oregon voters will reach the same conclusion, once they have looked into the facts, and vote NO on 92 as well,” the group NO on said in a statement.

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