It was previously reported by JNH that the GMO Labeling Law has upset multiple food companies with the intent to pull out their products from Vermont when the law goes in to effect on July 1.
Congress has been trying to steer the course swiftly with other states but those opposing the GMO labeling law has countered the bill with the "DARK Act" or "Deny Americans the Right to Know" Act, as posted by Forbes.
The "DARK" Act will block a state's effort to mandate labeling. Instead, it will be replaced with voluntary labels. It chooses to push the GMO Labeling law aside that might enable industry meddling. If the voluntary labeling law is enacted, that means food items will be conspicuously labeled.
As the 30-year-old regulations on genetically modified crops and biotechnology products were becoming obsolete and falls short of gaining public confidence, the Obama administration said on Thursday that it would update GMO laws.
According to Omri Ben-Shahar, a professor at the University of Chicago Law School, the goal of both sides has nothing to do with information for food safety and consumption. Rather, the battle is over food technology because of the GMO secrets being used by suppliers and food manufacturing companies. Professor Ben-Shahar continues to explain that the debate should recognize the value of GMO foods and its adverse effects, if any. Simply put, the labeling issue, is a mere cover to the GMO economy's science.
However, Congress' goal for a safe and accurate food labeling act can prove to be fatal for company losses as labeling can pose additional expenses in manufacturing as well as potential lost sales due to the warning labels.
While the fight for the GMO labeling law still continues, food companies are advised to follow GMO labeling guidelines regardless if the state demands it or not. Companies like Nestle have already promised to follow the federal law while other manufacturing food companies are still wary.
Would you rather have a mandatory GMO label on your food item or a voluntary one? Tell us via the comments section below!
