Vermont governor Peter Shumlin signed the state’s GMO labeling bill Thursday.
The first law in the nation to require labeling of food products which may contain genetically modified ingredients is scheduled to take effect July of 2016. Meat, dairy, alcohol and meals prepared in restaurants are exempt. “Natural” will not be allowed on the label of any products which may contain GMOs.
The bill also establishes a legal defense fund in anticipation of challenges to the law.
Connecticut and Maine have passed labeling bills but will not implement them until other states do-so with the hope of sharing any legal defense expenses. New York’s Assembly Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee has endorsed a bill similar to Vermont’s; it now goes to the Codes Committee. The Center for Food Safety says GMO labeling bills are active in 23 states.
Source: www.brownfieldagnews.com