Possible Compromise Near on National GMO Labeling Law

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Florida, General, Georgia

The ranking Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee, Michigan’s Debbie Stabenow, says lawmakers are getting “close” to reaching a deal on GMO labeling.

Stabenow told Politico she and the committee’s chair, Kansas Republican Pat Roberts, are “narrowing the issues” surrounding GMO labeling legislation. Stabenow says she and Roberts are meeting constantly. However, they have yet to share a draft bill with the full Senate.

The bill, aimed at blocking state laws like the Vermont law taking effect July first, would set a national GMO labeling standard. To stop the Vermont law in time, the Senate must pass the legislation this week for any hope the House can consider the bill before going on recess next week. Politico says questions remain over one of the most fundamental issues, being whether on-pack labels should be part of a mandatory disclosure system.

Come July first, on-pack labeling will become the de facto national standard, as food and beverage manufacturers will be forced to comply with Vermont’s law or potentially face a $1,000 fine per day, per product.