Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo called a news conference for today to unveil a bill that would block states from requiring special labels on food made with genetically modified organisms, and keep labeling voluntary on the federal level. The bill also would allow companies to advertise foods as being GMO-free, said the Associated Press. The USDA would certify foods as non-GMO, but companies could sell their products as non-GMO even if they don’t have the certificate. “The idea is part of an attempt to block mandatory labeling” of GMO food, says the AP. Pompeo says he hopes to get the bill passed this year. A Vermont law requiring GMO labels is to take effect in July 2016.
Trade groups from the food industry support passage of a federal pre-emption law that would ensure labeling of food made with genetically modified organisms remains voluntary. At a House Agriculture Committee hearing, the Snack Food Association said a federal law would prevent a “patchwork of state GMO labeling laws.” GMO ingredients are in 70-80 percent of food consumed in the United States, said the Grocery Manufacturers Association in a statement that coincided with the committee hearing. GMA said the hearing “reinforces the need for a federal solution.” Agriculture chairman Michael Conaway said a law assuring “national uniformity” was needed.