GMO labeling fight brews in Legislature
Supporters of a Maine law that would require labels on foods grown with the use of genetically modified organisms are getting ready for a new fight in the State House, the Kennebec Journal reported.
In 2014, the state Legislature passed a labeling law that included a delay of the effective date of the law until mandatory labeling of genetically engineered food is adopted by at least five contiguous states, including Maine. The law also included an automatic repeal if mandatory labeling of genetically engineered food is not adopted by at least five contiguous states, including Maine, by Jan. 1, 2018.
Now before the Legislature is LD 991, “An Act To Amend Maine's Genetically Modified Food Products Labeling Law,” which would repeal both the delayed effective date and automatic repeal provisions, thereby making the law effective.
Some label supporters and some opponents argue that repealing the trigger would leave Maine with different rules than nearby states and local grocers on the hook for the cost of the labels. Others say the state should have the right to act on the labels on its own, the Kennebec Journal reported.
Maine and Connecticut were the first two states to pass a law with a trigger mechanism that would require foods containing genetically modified organisms to be labeled.
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