Lawmakers propose USDA begin GMO certification

The sponsors of a House bill to prevent states from requiring special labels on GMO foods are considering a new version that would put the USDA in charge of certifying if foods are made from genetically modified organisms or not. The bill, filed by Mike Pompeo of Kansas and GK Butterfield of North Carolina, would keep labeling voluntary at the federal level.

A “discussion draft” for a new version of the bill includes non-disparagement clauses that would bar labels from claiming a food is better or safer because it is non-GMO or made with GMOs. The House Energy and Commerce Committee released a copy of the draft as part of announcing a subcommittee hearing on “a national framework for the review and labeling of biotechnology in food” on Thursday.

Under the draft, the FDA and the USDA would more closely coordinate review and approval of GMO foods. It would create at the USDA a certification program for genetically engineered foods to operate through certifying agents who check the type of seeds used, precautions to segregate crops during growth, harvest and processing. The approach is similar to the agriculture department’s organic certification process.

The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis. Read full, original post: USDA Gets Bigger Role In GMO Preemption Bill

{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }}
{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }}
{{ options.labels.newReviewButton }}
{{ userData.canReview.message }}
screenshot at  pm

Are pesticide residues on food something to worry about?

In 1962, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring drew attention to pesticides and their possible dangers to humans, birds, mammals and the ...
glp menu logo outlined

Newsletter Subscription

* indicates required
Email Lists
glp menu logo outlined

Get news on human & agricultural genetics and biotechnology delivered to your inbox.