No compromise on GMO labeling

Congressional leaders were not able to reach a compromise to stop states from requiring the labeling of biotech products. Food companies, biotech firms and producers were hoping for a temporary preemption to allow for more time to reach a compromise before Vermont’s mandatory labeling law takes effect next July.

The Senate and House Agriculture Committees plan to address this issue early next year. The Coalition for Safe Affordable Food said, “The failure of Congress to act will result in enormous costs to the agriculture and food industry who work tirelessly to feed a growing world population. A patchwork of state labeling laws will prove costly and confusing for consumers.”