News
2013-03-04 | permalink
Bills would require labels on genetically engineered food in Minnesota (USA)
Bills in the state Legislature are opposed by Minnesota’s major food manufacturers. Minnesota could become the next battleground in the fight over mandatory labels for genetically modified food. Bills were introduced Thursday in the Minnesota Legislature that would require food manufacturers to label their products to indicate whether they contain genetically engineered ingredients. Similar bills are being considered in other states, and California voters took part in a bruising battle last fall over the labeling issue.
2013-03-04 | permalink
Legislation to call for labeling of genetically engineered foods in Florida (USA)
Florida consumers have the right to know whether the foods they purchase are genetically engineered, says a group of more than 200 organizations calling for a labeling requirement. Monday, Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, D-Tallahassee, plans to introduce a bill seeking the labeling of GE agricultural commodities and processed foods that contain GE ingredients and are sold in Florida stores. GE, or genetically modified, crops are engineered by transferring genetic material from one organism into another to create specific traits, such as enabling a plant to produce its own pesticide to repel insects, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
2013-03-04 | permalink
Labeling of genetically engineered fresh produce passes Hawaii (USA) house committee
In front of a crowded gallery, consumers and distributors exchanged extremely emotional testimony at the Consumer Protection Committee hearing on House Bill 174, which requires the labeling of genetically engineered fresh produce sold in Hawai’i. Consumers, including parents that escorted children, outlined the risks of consumption along with the need for transparency of labeling, while distributors emphasized the safety of genetically engineered foods and the costs associated with implementation. HB 174 eventually passed through the Committee and now moves on to the House floor where it faces another reading.
2013-03-04 | permalink
Vermont (USA) House Committee on Agriculture and Forest Products clears GE food labeling bill
A proposal to force food producers to label genetically modified or engineered products cleared a significant hurdle in the Vermont Statehouse Friday. The House Committee on Agriculture and Forest Products voted in favor of passage 8-3. Experts estimate about 80 percent of processed foods contain at least one genetically engineered ingredient. Earlier this year, Vt. Attorney General Bill Sorrell cautioned lawmakers that should such a bill pass, the state faces substantial legal challenges. But proponents say the issue is too important to ignore.
WCAX Radio, USA: Vt. House committee approves GMO food bill- Vermont Digger, USA: House committee backs labeling law for genetically modified foods
- Seven Days, USA: Who’s trying to kill the GMO bill?
- Food Navigator, USA: Vermont GMO labeling bill passes first hurdle
- Vermont Public Radio, USA: Shumlin expresses doubts on GMO bill
2013-02-26 | permalink
IRRI: No Golden Rice in the next 2 years
The International Rice Research Institute, IRRI, based in the Phillipines has corrected recent media stories that the 30 year old GM rice, which is supposed to provide beta carotine to vitamin A deficient mothers and children, was about to be planted and disseminated this year. The rice would only be commercialised if it was deemend safe and proven to actually improve the vitamin A status of its consumers. This was still to be proven: "This process may take another two years or more."
