Vermont Passes GM Labeling Legislation
Vermont lawmakers have reportedly passed the nation’s first state bill (H.B.
112) to require mandatory labeling of foods made with genetically modified
(GM) ingredients. Passed in the Vermont House of Representatives, 114-30,
and in the state Senate, 28-2, the bill would require foods containing GM
ingredients sold in retail outlets to be labeled as either “partially produced
with genetic engineering,” “produced with genetic engineering,” or “may be
produced with genetic engineering.” The legislation would also make it illegal
to describe any food product containing GM ingredients as “natural” or “all
natural.”
Backers of the legislation reportedly expect Governor Peter Shumlin (D) to
sign it within the next few weeks, with the law taking effect July 1, 2016. “I
am proud of Vermont for being the first state in the nation to ensure that
Vermonters will know what is in their food,” Shumlin was quoted as saying.
“The even more thrilling aspect of this bill passage is that it makes the United
States known across the globe as a nation that is beginning to take a stance
against genetically modified organisms.”
Consumer advocates have been ratcheting up pressure on states and federal
government to require labeling of foods containing GM ingredients, claiming
that consumers have a right to such information. Lawmakers have already
passed similar bills in Maine and Connecticut, although the labeling laws
will take effect only if neighboring states adopt comparable measures. The
food industry, however, has argued that GM ingredients are safe and labeling
costs would be passed onto consumers. In anticipation of a legal battle, state
lawmakers included in the bill a fund for legal defense. “I’ll be very surprised
if we are not sued if the legislature goes ahead and enacts a mandatory GMO
labeling statute,” said state Attorney General Bill Sorrell. “A lot of people might
not realize that this is arguably a free speech issue.” See NPR’s The Salt and
Ecorazzi.com, April 24, 2014.
Issue 521
