Kimberlie Brown wants the right to know what she’s eating, and she thinks you have a right to know, as well.

Part of the Southwest branch of Genetically Modified Organism Free Colorado, Brown and about 20 others walked along Main Avenue with signs contesting the fact that GMOs used in many worldwide food systems are not labeled.

GMO foods largely are plant-based and have modified genes that resist disease and yield better harvests.

Some protesters believe GMOs are designed by chemical companies like Monsanto that actually patent seeds that will grow unaffected by their patented fertilizers.

One sign read: “GMO: Gross me out.”

The international rally, which was set to occur in 200 cities across the globe, aimed to educate the public about the labeling issue and raise awareness.

Currently, 64 countries require food companies to list GMOs as part of their ingredients. Connecticut, Maine and Vermont have the labeling laws, and several others have proposed laws, but to many, that’s not soon enough.

“Only three states,” Brown said, “and those laws were passed in the legislature.

“When you become aware of what (GMOs) are, you kind of feel like a test rat,” she said. “The more people that ask questions, the safer our food will be.”

Brown had petitions for a proposed state ballot initiative for the November election, making Colorado the first state with the opportunity to vote the law into effect.

Right to Know Colorado, a grass-roots Colorado organization fighting for GMO labeling, says on its website that 90 percent of peopled surveyed are in favor of companies providing the information.

“The first GMO came in the late 1980s and early ’90s,” Brown said, “and we feel if there are any side effects or health effects, they are really unknown. We are just eating them.”

Demonstrator Scott Miller said it’s a matter of public information.

“Part of the problem is that people are unaware,” he said.

bmathis@durangoherald.com