With more and more states establishing GMO labeling requirements, the House Agriculture Committee approved H.R. 1599, the “Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015,” which would create a system for food companies to apply to the USDA for a non-GMO food label.

It would override any state’s GMO labeling laws that are in existence. It would allow those who wish to label their products as GMO-free to do so through a USDA-accredited certification process. The bill would create a new legal framework, governing the use of label claims regarding either the absence of, or use of, genetically engineered food or food ingredients. It creates a uniform, national system governing the premarket review and labeling of genetically engineered foods.

The Food and Drug Administration would be required to develop rules for labeling foods as natural.