GMO Labeling Bill Moves Through the Senate

July 8, 2016
Posted in: News

Fighting off ongoing attempts to create a state by state food GMO labeling protocol, the Senate has passed a national mandatory GMO labeling bill that will create a uniform standard. While many food industries remain opposed to mandatory food labeling, trying to comply with diverse state by state requirements, would create confusion and logistical complications that could ultimately result in higher production and food costs.

The USDBC along with hundreds of other agricultural producers and agri business groups has signed off on a letter as part of the Coalition for Safe Affordable Food, supporting passage of this bill in the Senate and ultimately by Congress. Even though Vermont has already passed its own GMO food labeling bill that went into effect July 1, it would ultimately be nullified by a nationwide bill. The Bill must go to cloture this week, then pass the Agriculture Committee, full senate and House, making timing uncertain. While there are differing opinions on the use of GMOs in our food supply, according to the Center for Food Safety, roughly 75% of processed foods in the U.S. already contain GMO ingredients. Trying to comply with different rules in each state would be prohibitive. We will remain engaged on this issue and keep the industry informed of any new developments and how they might impact our own producers and processors.