State Senator Dave Koehler of Peoria, who represents Illinois’ 46th District, has reintroduced a Genetically Modified Organism labeling bill to the state legislature.
He says this bill, like the one he previously introduced which did not pass, would require products that contain ingredients that have been genetically engineered to be labeled as such. “It doesn’t do anything to restrict anything in terms of genetic engineering,” he says. “It’s just a consumer right to know issue.”
With states like Vermont passing its version of a GMO labeling bill, Koehler tells Brownfield he’s hopeful his bill will pick up momentum. “I think that just as people are more concerned with health and nutrition, this issue is growing in popularity,” he says. “It’s not going away. At some time in history, we’re going to have to deal with this.”
Koehler says he’s anticipating some opposition from several farm groups. But, adds the bill isn’t about the science behind GMOs.
“I’m choosing not to debate the science on this, whether it is healthy or harmful,” he says. “This is something we’re trying to leave to the individual. You make the decision, but here’s the information you need to make that decision. That’s really all we’re saying.”
The bill was just introduced late last week and has yet to be assigned to a committee.
Source: www.brownfieldagnews.com