Congresswoman Chellie Pingree spoke out against a bill that would require a complicated labeling scheme on foods containing GMO ingredients. The US House is taking up a bill today, recently passed by the Senate, that would allow manufacturers to place a QR code on the package of food containing GMOs. A QR code requires a smartphone and a special app to access ingredient information through a website.
UPDATE: This bill has passed the House and now goes on to the President for his signature.
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree spoke out against a bill that would require a complicated labeling scheme on foods containing GMO ingredients. The US House is taking up a bill today, recently passed by the Senate, that would allow manufacturers to place a QR code on the package of food containing GMOs. A QR code requires a smartphone and a special app to access ingredient information through a website.
On the House floor this morning, Pingree called the bill "a complicated solution to a simple problem."
"The solution is simple," Pingree said. "List GMO ingredients on the back of the package, in the ingredient list, in plain English. It's a solution that 64 other countries around the world have already adopted. Most of Europe, Japan, Russia—even China—all require a simple, on-package label that anyone can read."
The bill taken up in the House today also pre-empts laws in states like Maine and Vermont that would require disclosure of GMO ingredients in plain English.
Ted Quaday, Executive Director, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) praised Pingree for the vote.
"MOFGA applauds the action of Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today in voting 'no' on a GMO labeling measure aimed at keeping consumers in the dark about what is in their food. The Congresswoman made clear consumers have a right to know if there are GMOs present in the foods they buy for themselves and their families. The measure passed in the House today fails to provide that assurance, and we thank the Congresswoman for standing against it," Quaday said.
Pingree said that although there is debate about the use of GMOs in food, the legislation is about transparency.
"This isn't about the safety or health of GMO ingredients, it's about the consumer's right to know, so they can make that decision for themselves," Pingree said.
Ninety percent of Americans support mandatory labeling of GMO foods.
