How National GMO Labeling Bill Might Affect Vermont's

How National GMO Labeling Bill Might Affect Vermont's

The bill establishing national labeling standards for food products made from Genetically Modified Organisms, or containing ingredients with GMO's, is through Congress and awaits the signature of President Obama. The bill will override the state law already set up in Vermont. 

Jim Harrison is the President of the Vermont Retail and Grocer's Association says that having uniform standards for the entire country is positive.

 

He said with the national law in effect, Vermont consumers should see more of the products they've been used to on shelves across the state. He shares the differences between the Vermont state labeling law and the national legislation on the President's desk.

Harrison: "There are some differences in terms of what products will fall under the federal law versus the state law. The biggest difference is really in the types of disclosure. The federal law is a mandatory disclosure law and Vermont's law is a mandatory package labeling law. A package good on the store shelf — and many are showing up now — have a disclosure statement on the package. The federal law allows manufactoreres to do that but also if they prefer not to do that they can do a symbol or they can use some type of electronic digital code that brings you to a website. That is the major difference."

He said companies that at least tried to comply with the Vermont law have an advantage in getting their GMO ingredients research done before the national law comes into effect.

Previous ReportVilsack Mentioned as Possible Clinton VP Running Mate
Next ReportRegional Weekly Hay Report