House Agriculture Panel Okays Bill Barring Compulsory GMO Labeling

The U.S. House Agriculture Committee sided with the food industry and others opposed to mandatory labeling of foods containing genetically modified organisms in okaying a bill to bar labeling and prohibit state/local efforts to regulate GMO crops. Opponents of compulsory GMO labeling say it would lead to a hike in food prices and would confuse consumers because GMOs are well regulated, safe and as nutritious as conventional foods. They urged the House to pass H.R. 1599, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act. Proponents of mandatory labeling say there is a lack of scientific consensus on GMO safety and on concerns about the herbicide glyphosate (Roundup), widely used on genetically modified crops.