More than two dozen states are considering GMO labeling

Saturday, February 01, 2014 by: Antonia
Tags: GMO labeling, Monsanto, Whole Foods

(NaturalNews) While the United States currently lacks federal regulation on labeling foods with genetically modified ingredients, about half of the states are taking matters in their own hands. More than two dozen GMO labeling bills are currently being reviewed by state governments, according to the Associated Press.

"I don't know if it's harmful or unhealthy, but it's something people have a right to know about," said Rep. Dennis Canario, a Democrat sponsoring such a bill in Rhode Island. He added that just as consumers are currently informed about the amount of calories and fat on the packaging, there is no reason why they shouldn't be informed of any GMO ingredients in their foods as well.

Results vary by state

Maine and Connecticut are the only two states that have already passed such laws, although they put a provision in place that the requirements won't be imposed until the other states pass their own bills. The provision was meant to prevent a patchwork of state regulations, which would be taxing on food producers. California and Washington have both rejected similar proposals, and New Hampshire killed a GMO labeling bill just this Wednesday.

Organic producers versus big foods

Despite the mixed results in local GMO labeling regulations so far, the National Organic Coalition and other critics of genetically engineered foods are still hopeful for positive outcomes in other states. Last week they wrote to President Barack Obama encouraging the labeling on a federal level. On the other end of the spectrum is the Grocery Manufacturers Association, which represents larger food corporations. GMA has been trying to push its own agenda with the FDA, asking for GMO foods to be labeled as "natural" in a letter last month.

Businesses adopt their own rules

While no labeling regulations are imposed by the FDA, many businesses pass their own rules on the matter. Within the next four years Whole Foods, for example, is planning to label any GMO containing foods it sells though its U.S. and Canadian stores.

Sources for this article include:

www.huffingtonpost.com

www.foxnews.com

About the author:
A science enthusiast with a keen interest in health nutrition, Antonia has been intensely researching various dieting routines for several years now, weighing their highs and their lows, to bring readers the most interesting info and news in the field. While she is very excited about a high raw diet, she likes to keep a fair and balanced approach towards non-raw methods of food preparation as well. >>> Click here to see more by Antonia