A landmark Senate agreement on national disclosure standards for genetically engineered foods would allow companies to disclose GMO ingredients through digital codes rather than on-package language or symbols.
Agri-Pulse reports the agreement, reached between Senate Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts and ranking Democrat Debbie Stabenow, also would use a narrow definition of genetic engineering that would exempt the newest biotech methods such as gene editing from the national disclosure standards. The legislation would nullify Vermont’s GMO labeling requirements that take effect July 1.
“The American Farm Bureau Federation continues to oppose mandatory food labels that are not necessary for health or safety reasons. We also oppose a patchwork of state-by-state labeling rules. We are reviewing this legislative proposal, and over the next few days will determine how it fits with our policy. We will also assess its impact on farmers’ abilities to use modern agricultural technology to produce more, high-quality food,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall.
The House, which passed its own bill last July, would also have to approve the Roberts-Stabenow deal but is on break until July 5.