The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) applauds Senate Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow for reaching what it calls a common sense food-labeling agreement.
The legislation, which will require 60 votes to pass the Senate, would nullify Vermont’s GMO labeling law, which takes effect July 1.
Under the legislation, most food companies would have the option of disclosing GMO ingredients through a digital QR code or an on-package symbol. The code would be accompanied by the words “Scan here for more food information.” Smaller companies would have the option of putting a phone number or website URL on packaging rather than the digital code.
“The bipartisan Roberts-Stabenow labeling proposal is a practical solution to prevent a costly and confusing patchwork of state food-labeling laws from being enacted across the nation,” said ASTA President & CEO Andrew LaVigne. “We commend the senators for their efforts in reaching a common-sense compromise that works for the agriculture industry and consumers alike. The agreement will bring much-needed consistency and transparency to the marketplace, and we urge the Senate to pass the proposal as soon as possible.”
