Legislation to mandate the disclosure of genetically modified food ingredients is expected to receive final congressional approval from the House on Thursday.
No amendments can be made to the legislation during floor consideration due to a rule set by the House Rules Committee and approved by the House on Wednesday. Any amendments to the legislation would send it back to the Senate, causing further delay.
The legislation requires food manufacturers to disclose genetically modified ingredients in products, but may choose from an on-package label, symbol or electronic code regulated by the USDA. The USDA will be given two years to create rules for disclosure requirements.
“Small” and “very small” food manufacturers, as defined by the USDA, would be exempt from disclosure, along with restaurants. Meat and dairy products from animals fed genetically modified food also would be exempt.
More than 1,100 food and agriculture groups and companies, including the American Farm Bureau Federation and the Grocery Manufacturer’s Association, sent a letter to the House urging the measure’s passage.
A number of Oklahoma agricultural organizations also support the legislation including the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Oklahoma Agricultural Cooperative Council, Oklahoma Pork Council, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association and American Farmers and Ranchers.
The Senate approved the measure last week by a vote of 63-30, with support from both Oklahoma Sens. Jim Inhofe and James Lankford.
If passed, reports say President Obama will sign the legislation in its current form.
For more information, visit the links below:
White House: Obama to sign ‘bipartisan’ GMO disclosure bill
More than 1,100 groups, firms appeal for House passage of GMO bill
