A bill that would block state GMO labeling laws and set up a process for marketing foods as non-GMO has advanced in the House, setting up a final votes on the measure on Thursday. “Those who want foods without GMOs could purchase products displaying a new label, verified by a program overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, that provides them with the assurance that they are getting what they are paying for”.
Advertisement
Another amendment, by Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., would essentially set up a mandatory labeling system by requiring that any company that labels a product as genetically engineered overseas must label it the same way in the United States.
Authors of the bill filed a manager’s amendment that seeks to clarify that the Safe and Affordable Food Labeling Act wouldn’t stop states or local governments from banning the cultivation of genetically engineered crops.
Ag groups are pushing strongly for approval of the bill, which they say could avoid varying state laws that may create confusing standards for food producers and consumers.
“This is in line with the rights consumers already enjoy as it has been pointed out in over 60 other countries around the world”, DeLauro said, referencing mandatory labeling in other countries. “What’s is wrong with that?” A recent poll of Florida physicians shows more than 70 percent support labeling GMOs as well. “We’ll let folks know whether their food has been genetically modified, because Americans should know what they’re buying”. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., said in a speech opposing the bill on the House floor Wednesday that he eats GMOs, but thinks it should be a choice. “This bill is the right approach because it balances the consumer’s desire to know with consistent, science-driven rules for if and when biotechnology should be labeled at the grocery store”.
Advertisement
The bill was passed by the House of Representatives Agriculture Nutrition Subcommittee on July 14, 2015, and must now be approved by the full House and Senate and then signed into law by President Barack Obama. Unfortunately for consumers, HR 1599 is more about keeping you in the dark about your food than truth in labeling.
