Says bill would block states like Maine from requiring labeling of GMO products
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree had harsh words for a bill introduced today that she says would effectively block states that want to pass laws requiring that genetically modified (GMO) products are labeled.
"This bill is nothing but an attempt by chemical companies like Monsanto and giant food industry players to stop grassroots efforts around the country to require GMO labeling," Pingree said. "Citizen legislatures like ours in Maine have passed laws saying consumers have the right to know what kind of food they are buying, but this bill would reverse those efforts and block those laws."
The bill, introduced today, would allow big food companies to establish a voluntary standard for GMO labeling and would block all state laws requiring mandatory labeling.
In Maine, the Legislature passed and the Governor signed a bill requiring food containing GMO ingredients be labeled, but the law doesn't take effect until at least four other contiguous states follow suit.
Pingree has cosponsored the Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act (HR 1699), which would require mandatory labeling of food products that contain GMO ingredients. Currently 64 countries around the world require GMO labeling.
