May 09, 2014 - Blogs
Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin on Thursday signed the nation’s first no-strings-attached bill that requires genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food to be labeled.
Food manufacturers will have time to make the transition. Genetically modified foods will need to be labeled as of July 1, 2016.
“Vermonters take our food and how it is produced seriously, and we believe we have a right to know what’s in the food we buy," the governor said to a crowd gathered on the State House lawn for the signing event. “I am proud that we’re leading the way in the United States to require labeling of genetically engineered food. More than 60 countries have already restricted or labeled these foods, and now one state – Vermont -- will also ensure that we know what’s in the food we buy and serve our families."
The GMO labeling party could be short-lived. Vermont officials expect legal challenges, which could include claims that the law violates the First Amendment.
“The constitutionality of the GMO labelling law will undoubtedly be challenged," said Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell. “I can make no predictions or promises about how the courts will ultimately rule but I can promise that my office will mount a vigorous and zealous defense of the law that has so much support from Vermont consumers. I thank the Governor and the Legislature for ensuring we have the resources we need to get the job done."
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) on Thursday lambasted the legislation as “critically flawed and not in the best interest of consumers."
“It sets the nation on a costly and misguided path toward a 50-state patchwork of GMO labeling policies that will do nothing to advance the safety of consumers," the association said.
Unlike GMO labeling laws in Connecticut and Maine, Vermont’s law doesn’t require passage of similar laws by other states in order to take effect. The state House passed the bill last month by a vote of 114 to 30.
“There is no doubt that there are those who will work to derail this common sense legislation," Shumlin said. “But I believe this bill is the right thing to do and will gain momentum elsewhere after our action here in Vermont."
Shumlin pointed out that more than 60 countries already restrict or label GMO foods.
But GMA declared GMOs are safe, benefit the environment and offer other benefits.
“They use less water and fewer pesticides, reduce crop prices by 15-30 percent and can help us feed a growing global population of seven billion people," GMA said. “The FDA, World Health Organization, American Medical Association and U.S. National Academy of Science have all found that foods and beverages that contain GM ingredients are safe and materially no different than conventionally produced products."
Food manufacturers will have time to make the transition. Genetically modified foods will need to be labeled as of July 1, 2016.
“Vermonters take our food and how it is produced seriously, and we believe we have a right to know what’s in the food we buy," the governor said to a crowd gathered on the State House lawn for the signing event. “I am proud that we’re leading the way in the United States to require labeling of genetically engineered food. More than 60 countries have already restricted or labeled these foods, and now one state – Vermont -- will also ensure that we know what’s in the food we buy and serve our families."
The GMO labeling party could be short-lived. Vermont officials expect legal challenges, which could include claims that the law violates the First Amendment.
“The constitutionality of the GMO labelling law will undoubtedly be challenged," said Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell. “I can make no predictions or promises about how the courts will ultimately rule but I can promise that my office will mount a vigorous and zealous defense of the law that has so much support from Vermont consumers. I thank the Governor and the Legislature for ensuring we have the resources we need to get the job done."
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) on Thursday lambasted the legislation as “critically flawed and not in the best interest of consumers."
“It sets the nation on a costly and misguided path toward a 50-state patchwork of GMO labeling policies that will do nothing to advance the safety of consumers," the association said.
Unlike GMO labeling laws in Connecticut and Maine, Vermont’s law doesn’t require passage of similar laws by other states in order to take effect. The state House passed the bill last month by a vote of 114 to 30.
“There is no doubt that there are those who will work to derail this common sense legislation," Shumlin said. “But I believe this bill is the right thing to do and will gain momentum elsewhere after our action here in Vermont."
Shumlin pointed out that more than 60 countries already restrict or label GMO foods.
But GMA declared GMOs are safe, benefit the environment and offer other benefits.
“They use less water and fewer pesticides, reduce crop prices by 15-30 percent and can help us feed a growing global population of seven billion people," GMA said. “The FDA, World Health Organization, American Medical Association and U.S. National Academy of Science have all found that foods and beverages that contain GM ingredients are safe and materially no different than conventionally produced products."
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