Monsanto throws weight behind voluntary GMO labeling bill

Monsanto Co. and other biotechnology giants are throwing support behind a bill to create new national standards for genetically engineered crops, in a move critics say is intended to head off more meaningful regulation.

The bill by Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Kansas, and supported by three St. Louis-area members of Congress, would not mandate disclosure on food products of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, in all cases.

Instead, it would require the Food and Drug Administration to conduct a safety review of new plant varieties from genetic engineering before they enter the food chain, and allow the FDA to require labeling if it believes it necessary to protect consumer health and safety.

Companies that want to produce and identify non-GMO food would do so voluntarily, but producers would not be required to say their products came from GMOs.

Supporters of the national standards say they want to avoid a hodgepodge of conflicting state laws. Monsanto has flexed its lobbying muscle behind the bill, which is scheduled to be debated by the House Energy and Commerce Committee June 18.

Food-safety groups say the bill is really an attempt to suppress overwhelming consumer consensus for full disclosure. They derisively call Pompeo’s bill the “DARK Act” — for “Denying Americans the Right to Know.”

Another House bill that would require labeling of genetically engineered ingredients on all food and beverages sold in the United States has been introduced by Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Oregon. But Pompeo’s bill is getting more attention because more than 400 food companies and associations have thrown their weight behind it.

The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis. Read full, original post: Monsanto in the middle of upcoming congressional fight over GMO labeling

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