Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Senate shelves GMO labeling bill



The United States Senate has effectively shelved a proposal for a national standard for labeling GMOs (genetically modified organisms) in food.

Republican Senator Pat Roberts from Kansas introduced the bill, aiming to thwart Vermont’s law that calls for labeling GMOs.

There have been concerns that allowing states to pass GMO regulations will result in different standards across the country, making the marketing of national brands difficult.

Some, but not all, in the food industry worry that a GMO label would reduce sales.

There is some evidence that the tide is beginning to turn and that many people are beginning to regard GMO crops as better for the environment and healthy in foods.

The current issue of Maclean’s magazine examines that change in attitudes.