Vermont may be small, but it isn’t pulling punches. It has become the first state that will require GMO labeling, as of July 1st 2016. Nearby, Maine and Connecticut also have laws that will require GMO labeling, if neighboring states have made GMO labeling laws.
The food industry has pinned its hopes on Congress to prevent states from forcing them to label their GMO-filled products; the Senate has already voted 48-49 against a bill that would have prevented states from requiring GMO labeling. However, some companies intend to follow the new law in Vermont, while others plan to withdraw their products.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has challenged the law in court, but its request has been denied. It has appealed the decision though.
General Mills announced that it will label products that contain GMOs. They will even start labeling products throughout the US, due to practicality issues.
The GMA claims that the General Mills “announcement is the latest example of how Vermont’s looming labeling mandate is a serious problem for businesses.”
“Food companies are being forced to make decisions on how to comply and having to spend millions of dollars. One small state’s law is setting labeling standards for consumers across the country.”
Small to mid-size producers and retailers may be severely affected. Herr Foods might pull its products out of Vermont, if the labeling law takes effect. “Just the logistics, the expense are horrendous,” said its senior vice president for sales, Daryl Thomas. “You’d have to duplicate that if any state went along with its own regulations and then multiple it again, again, and again times however many other states chose to have their own requirements,” he said.
Two thirds of Americans support GMO labeling on foods, according to the 2014 AP-GfK poll.
Sources: Huff Post, AP
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