GMO Label Issue Finally Clears Congress

GMO Label Issue Finally Clears Congress

 

gmo-lableA national standard for food products that contain genetically modified ingredients is finally on the President’s desk.  The House passed its first GMO label bill a year ago, but it took passage of a state law in Vermont to goad the Senate into action. Just ahead of a 6 week recess, the House passed the Senate version of the bill on Thursday and it is now on its way to the President.

 

Farm and commodity organizations praised the quick House action on an issue that was more about biotechnology than food safety. “Today, our representatives in the House built upon last week’s work in the Senate, taking another important step toward bringing consistency to the marketplace,” said NCGA President Chip Bowling. “This achievement was made possible as members of the food and agricultural value chain came together as never before to advance a solution that works for farmers, food companies and, most importantly, consumers.”

 

AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, “House passage of GMO disclosure legislation means we now begin the work of putting in place a uniform, national labeling system that will provide balanced, accurate information to consumers. Genetically engineered crops have a decades-long track record of safety and benefits for agricultural productivity and our environment.”  American Soybean Association President Richard Wilkins said, “We believe this thoughtfully-crafted compromise provides consumers with the information they need, without stigmatizing a safe and sustainable food technology.”

 

The President is expected to sign the measure, but don’t expect GMO opposition to go away.

 

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