ConAgra Foods will begin adding labels to products nationwide by July 2016 to meet Vermont’s GMO labeling requirements.
In a recent corporate statement, ConAgra said, “We stand behind the health and safety of all of our products, including those with genetically modified ingredients, and believe consumers should be informed as to what’s in their food. But addressing state-by-state labeling requirements adds significant complications and costs for food companies. With a multitude of other states currently considering different GMO labeling requirements, the need for a national, uniform approach in this area is as critical as ever. That’s why we continue to urge Congress to pass a national solution as quickly as possible.”
In related news, the Massachusetts Food Association reports that the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture released favorably an amended version of legislation calling for GMO labeling in Massachusetts under certain conditions.
The new rewritten bill now includes a “trigger” mechanism to require GMO labeling in the state if five states (not including Massachusetts) enact mandatory GMO labeling, of which at least one borders Massachusetts, and have a combined population of more than 20 million. The bill is now before the House Ways & Means Committee.
