A sweeping bill to require labeling of GMO ingredients in processed foods was discussed before the Connecticut General Assembly’s Environment Committee on February 22, in the states capital, Hartford. Testimony was taken from opponents and proponents of the bill, designated HB5117, and entitled AN ACT CONCERNING GENETICALLY-ENGINEERED FOODS. (Read the full text of the bill here.)
The bill calls for labeling of foods that contain, or may contain, GMO ingredients. Agricultural products would have to be labeled with labeling containing the words “Genetically Engineered,” either on the label or upon signage prominently displayed at the point of sale, or, in the case of processed foods, the package would be required to carry the words “Partially Produced with Genetic Engineering” or “May be Partially Produced with Genetic Engineering.” There would be exemptions for meat and alcohol.
Moreover, the bill would require the Connecticut Department of Agriculture to create regulations around “best practices,” for Connecticut farmers “who cultivate commercially any genetically-engineered crop. Such regulations shall require the implementation of practices by such farmers to:
(1) Eliminate or minimize the degree to which such genetically-engineered crop affects neighboring lands, and
(2) minimize the amount of herbicides used by such farmers to eradicate herbicide-resistant weeds.”
The bill also contains consumer protection language, would require the state to publish and update a list of agricultural commodities known to contain GMO’s, and would set up procurement guidelines whereby the state would give preference to non-GMO products.
Representatives of the food and grocery industries, as well as mainstream farmers’ trade organizations, gave testimony opposing HB5117. Their arguments generally took the position that such regulations are unnecessary, since there already exists national-level labeling laws, such as USDA Organic/NOP certification and labeling, by which consumers can already tell when products are GMO-free. Other concerns included the fear that compliance will raise costs in an already uncertain economy, and that regulating the issue on the state level would be unfair to Connecticut producers and retailers, since Connecticut is a very small state.
Many opponents went further, claiming that GMO products are exempt from current labeling requirements, such as those that mandate listing preservatives, chemical, and allergens in foods, because the USDA has already established that GMO foods are perfectly safe and in no way different from conventional food products.
Proponents of the bill disagreed, claiming that there has been little actual testing by USDA, and even that negative information about the safety of GMO products has actually been suppressed. A host of organic farmers, green-and sustainability advocates, organic trade groups, and individuals offered testimony as well, citing their belief that the public is definitely afraid of GMO content in foods, and of GMO crops in the environment. Several of the proponents indicated their belief that, while several other states are considering similar proposals or ballot initiatives, the fact that none has yet been passed presents Connecticut an opportunity to provide leadership to the states, since labeling requirements clearly are not going to be created anytime soon at the federal level.
(Read the full testimony here)
The bill, which is a “raised bill” meaning that it originated within the Environment Committee, will now be further considered by the committee leadership, which may decide to eventually submit it to the General Assembly for possible passage.
Randel Agrella is a Baker Creek Employee, an avid anti-GMO activist, and owner of Abundant Acres Heirloom Nursery.
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these GMO products banned they are harmful for human and animal consumption, any animals that are fed GMO produce also should be banned.
Labeling is i guess the second alternative .though
It’s very pleasing that American’s are starting to fight against GMO use. We have become completely unregulated and science has been given the right to produce anything it pleases, regardless of effects on human society. GMO’s produce negative effects on the environment and human health, as well as a horrible discontent towards positive scientific progress. Let’s discover more biodiversity and transition towards sustainability before we start pretending that we have power over nature.
I hope Connecticut is successful in passing the GMO labeling laws. It’s seems that Monsanto has effectively positioned former employees in key federal FDA and other critical federal agencies. Perhaps now the states can take control of federal dominance over our lives. I would like to know if you need help as I am from Massachusetts and if several states can get together we will turn the tide. The world is counting on someone here in the US to put a stop to this madness.
Sincerely John.
Here’s holding out hope that the Conn. General Assembly will have the wisdom and vision to realize they have the future of their children and grandchildren in their hands. Or will they allow the GMO-producing companies’ PACs to influence them and intentionally neglect their duty to protect citizens first before protecting business.
If legislators won’t force labeling, then consumers must vote with their dollars. We must all band together and refuse to buy food or food products that are not conspicuously labeled either way. This is the only way we can get business to listen. They won’t listen to reason, lawmakers won’t listen to PAC-less constituents, and regulators are ex-agrichemical executives. So, our only real threat is to take away their market share at the retail outlet. Buy our food from farmers’ markets, from CSA cooperatives, or grow our own food. Threatening their marketshare is the only way we’ll get their attention.
This is long awaited GOOD NEWS! I pray to God that the politians see the dangers of GMO. I also pray that they are not BOUGHT OFF!
We need this bill to be NATIONWIDE AND ON ALL IMPORTS!!!
ITS ABOUT TIME THEY LABEL GMO FOODS !!!! WAKE UP AMERICA!! YOUR DOLLAR IS THE STRONGEST THING WE HAVE TO FIGHT WITH MEANING DON’T BUY IT TELL YOUR GROCERY STORE YOU WANT NON GMO FOOD. TELL YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS TO USE NON GMO OR YOUR NOT GOING TO BUY THEIR PRODUCTS THE WAY YOU SPEND YOUR MONEY WILL GET HEADS TO TURN AND LAWS TO CHANGE .
CLOSE YOUR WALLET TO GMO
GM crops have NOT been tested to assure their safety; they should be put under the same scrutiny as a natural crop like Stevia was, for many years. A crop that not only allows, but encourages, the increased use of known carcinogens, like Herbicides, should be fiercely regulated, if not prohibited
How awful is this all these products should be labled so knowing consumers can make informed choices!
This is wonderful news! How can the rest of us who don’t live in Connecticut help influence and get this bill passed????