The decision whether or not to identify food products that have been genetically modified through special food labels is yet to be made for most communities. Maine has made progress toward implementing this kind of plan, as the state’s House of Representatives decided this week to move forward Bill LD718 that would make this practice mandatory for appropriate food items.
Though some opposition has been expressed by groups like the Maine Grocers Association, the Bangor Daily news reports that this measure was supported by both Republicans and Democrats, with Republican Lance Harvell the chief backer. Somewhat controversially, the effect of the measure will depend on whether Maine can see four additional states take part, although Connecticut has already made its own GMO laws.
Democrat Diane Russell expressed a desire for her state to forego this restriction and take a more independent stand on this issue.
“I believe we will be taking a stand against the corporatization of our food,” she said. “I believe we will be empowering our consumers.”
Making labels can seem like a problem for supermarket chains and other food providers because of the appearance of cost involved, and also because of the amount of new information required to be added. These particular labels would say “Produced by Genetic Engineering,” and would be geared to help consumers, lawmakers say.
Though the ultimate trend of GMO labeling will most likely be played out in the long term, companies designing special food labels can make the decision what to disclose voluntarily, and can do so using their own color label printer for efficiency.
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