Measure To Mandate Labeling Of Food Products Containing GMOs Faces Uncertain Future
Senate Agriculture Committee leaders Sens. Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) have announced that they reached a bipartisan compromise over the issue of requiring food manufacturers to label their products that contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The measure, according to the AP, “would require the nationwide labeling of” GMOs, but would be less strict than a similar law that went into effect in Vermont July 1, as it would let food companies utilize either “a text label, a symbol or electronic label accessed by smartphone.” Additionally, “foods where meat, poultry, and egg products are the main ingredient” would be exempted, Eater reported.
Despite the bipartisan nature of the Senate compromise, the bill has generated controversy outside of the Senate. USA Today reported that several food companies welcomed the proposal, which they say relieves them of having to comply with a patchwork of state laws. Grocery Manufacturers Association CEO Pamela Bailey urged Congress to pass the bill immediately. However, the measure faces opposition from some. For instance, The Hill reported that the Food and Drug Administration “has expressed concern” over the measure’s requirement that the Agriculture Secretary “create within two years a national mandatory disclosure standard for food that contains genetically modified organisms.” The FDA submitted comments to the Senate Agriculture Committee warning that the compromise “could conflict with FDA labeling requirements” and that the bill’s definition of “bioengineering” is unclear.
What Happens Next
The AP pointed out that the legislation may be taken up as soon as July 5, when the House returns from vacation. However, passage in the House is far from certain, meaning that for now, Vermont is the only state with GMO labeling requirements.
What This Means For Small Businesses
Small business owners understand the food industry’s wariness of mandatory GMO labeling, as it would be another burdensome government regulation that disproportionately affects them. Food producers should have the freedom to arrive at their own solution to the issue of food labeling, such as voluntary labeling, as the market demands. For example, NPR earlier this year reported on Campbell Soup’s implementation of its own GMO labeling policy, which CEO Denise Morrison said was driven by consumer demand, rather than Federal government oversight.
Additional Reading
The Minneapolis Star Tribune, the Hartford (CT) Courant, and McClatchy also covered the Senate’s compromise measure.
Note: this article is intended to keep small business owners up on the latest news. It does not necessarily represent the policy stances of NFIB.
