USA: national GMO labelling initiative in discussion


Across America a political battle is raging over proposed state laws mandating the labelling of genetically modified food. Although the scientific community overwhelmingly agrees that GMO foods are safe, some 60 percent of Americans still have concerns. A bill that would create a federal labelling standard for foods containing genetically modified ingredients will be back up for debate this week in the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. The first version of the bill was introduced by Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Kan., last year. The 2015 version has a few revisions, including details on a certification for non-bioengineered foods and USDA-accredited non-GMO certification process. Pompeo's office says the bill works to circumvent state GMO labelling laws that could ultimately create confusing standards across the U.S according to an article in Farm Futures. (http://farmfutures.com/story-national-gmo-labeling-bill-back-discussion-0-128842)

According to bill co-sponsor Rep. G.K. Butterfield, D-N.C., the varying standards across states could cost an average family about $500 per year. Ahead of the hearing, opposing group the Center for Food Safety is bringing attention to the 2015 bill, suggesting that it represents an expansion in regulation from the previous version by including a new provision that would make it unlawful for states to restrict GE crops. The group says the bill would weaken regulation of GE crops and "undemocratically nullify GE crop regulations that have existed in numerous counties across the country for over a decade." CFS calls the bill the "Denying Americans the Right to Know Act" or DARK Act. A coalition of agricultural groups supporting the measure, however, said last week that changes to the 2015 bill will actually "ensure the legislation can gain even broader support."