Senate backs non-binding measure opposing state or local GMO food-labeling requirements

A non-binding memorial to Congress urging it to enact national legislation blocking any state from requiring labeling of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, won support of the Senate today on a voice vote; it earlier passed the House, 41-24. The memorial, HJM 6 , says foods containing genetically engineered (GE) ingredients “are as safe to eat and grow as foods produced without GE ingredients,” and says, “Technology adds desirable traits from nature, establishing the potential for nutritional, health, agronomic and environmental benefits.”

“If you get the labeling that is done at state level or county level, you get a patchwork of different things that you have to comply with,” said Sen. Jim Rice, R-Caldwell, the Senate sponsor. “The appropriate way of handling labeling is to have a uniform standard across the country. This joint memorial asks to do that.” Sen. Jim Patrick, R-Twin Falls, who noted he has a potential conflict of interest because he raises genetically engineered crops, agreed. “I know across the nation we need uniformity,” Patrick said. “We can’t have something different in every state and county.”

Senate Minority Leader Michelle Stennett, D-Ketchum, said, “The consumer has the right to know what they are ingesting. … If they have an adverse reaction, it’s not fair for them to not know what’s on the labels.” Sen. Grant Burgoyne, D-Boise, said by leaving the matter to Washington, D.C., “The rich, the powerful and the well connected are going to control this process.”