The House passed a bill that would require manufacturers to label genetically modified foods but gives them some flexibility.
The House passed by a 306-117 vote Thursday a bill that already passed the Senate. It would require manufacturers within two years to label food if it has any genetically modified organisms in its ingredients, but will give manufacturers some flexibility.
For instance, the manufacturer can put a statement on the product’s label saying whether it has GMO ingredients. Another option is the company can put a QR code that consumers can scan with their smartphone and visit a website with more information about the ingredients.
The bill also would pre-empt existing state laws mandating GMO labeling.
Vermont’s strict GMO labeling law, which went into effect July 1, requires that most foods sold in the state be labeled if they have any GMO in the ingredients.
Since then, manufacturers have told retailers in the state that they won’t ship more than 3,000 products because they don’t comply with the state law.
GMO safety has been a contentious issue for years. The Food and Drug Administration and World Health Organization have both said that foods with GMOs are safe to eat.
However, activists speculate whether the foods are safe.
The bill has receivd pushback from some conservative groups who want voluntary labeling instead of mandatory standards.
Heritage Action, the lobbying arm of the think tank Heritage Foundation, urged House lawmakers to not vote on the bill.
“While it may make it easier for companies doing business in Vermont, this legislation ignores all the food manufacturers that do not do business in Vermont,” Heritage Action said. “Those companies will now have to comply with a massive new federal regulatory regime that they otherwise would not have to address.”
Some Republicans voted against the bill. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., called it a sham.
“This food labeling bill has all the transparency of a brick wall,” Buchanan said. “People have a right to know what’s in the food they are purchasing for themselves and their children, but this bill will not provide any such disclosure.”
Buchanan called for more prominent and clear food labeling.
President Obama is expected to sign the bill.
