Bill to prohibit states from requiring GM labeling reintroduced in Congress. (subscription to Law 360 required)
- In recent years, we have seen a variety of federal, state, and local initiatives regarding the labeling of genetically modified (GM) foods. Vermont is the only state with a GM labeling law in effect (although it is currently being challenged). No federal legislation currently addresses this issue.
- As anticipated, Reps. Mike Pompeo (R-KS) and G. Butterfield (D-NC) have reintroduced the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015, which would prohibit states from mandating the labeling of GM foods. The bill also would create a voluntary certification process for companies that want to claim that their products are “GM-free.”
- The Pompeo bill stands in stark contrast to the Boxer bill, which seeks to mandate GM labeling at the federal level. It remains to be seen which, if either, of the bills will gain traction in the current Congress.