Vermont state senators passed, 28-2, a bill to require labels on foods made with genetically modified organisms and sold at retail – one of the final steps toward the first such state law. “It now goes back to the House to see whether members will approve changes made by the Senate. If passed, the law would take effect July 1, 2016,” says Reuters.
Backers say they expect the food industry to sue to overturn the law. Biotech seed companies say the crops are safe. Most of the corn and soybeans grown in the United States – ingredients in foods from cereal to salad dressing – comes from GMO seeds.
“Presently there are 66 active bills in 27 states aimed at labeling GMOs,” says Civil Eats. It says California is close to enacting a labeling law. Oregon is to hold a referendum this fall. Civil Eats describes activity in key states and has a link to a state-by-state map at Right to Know. Connecticut and Maine have passed legislation but neither is effective until neighboring states join in.