U.S. House of Representatives Passes National Biotech Labeling Solution

Bill Now Passes to President to Sign

The House of Representatives has passed bipartisan legislation that would federally preempt a potential patchwork of differing state laws regarding the labeling of human food and animal feed containing biotechnology-enhanced ingredients by a 306-117 vote on July 14.

Developed by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., the legislation would provide certainty by preempting Vermont's mandatory GMO labeling law, which went into effect earlier this month, in favor of a uniform national standard that would provide an efficient mechanism for consumers who wish to know more about food products, including the biotech content of food. Easy access to this information will be disclosed on products without forcing other consumers to incur exponential increases in food costs.

The bill, which earlier passed the Senate by a 63-30 vote, now goes to President Barack Obama's desk, where he is expected to sign the measure.