A pair of measures moving through Congress would require mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods. South Dakota Bio Tech Association Executive Director Joni Johnson says a national standard for those is badly needed in order to avoid diverse state rules that confuse consumers.
Johnson says while some may charge that having a national labeling rule would be costly, the opposite is actually the case as not having it is even more costly.
Johnson is hoping Senators and Representatives will reach some middle ground between Senator Barbara Boxer’s bill and Representative Mike Pompeo’s legislation for mandatory GMO labeling.
While Boxer’s measure would require manufacturers to clearly label foods containing GMOs, it prohibits the use of natural on GMO foods. Congressman Pompeo’s bill establishes a federal labeling standard and gives sole authority to FDA to require labeling.
