The U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee adopted H.R. 1599 on July 14, which would prohibit labeling of genetically engineered foods and make it illegal for states and municipalities to restrict such foods.
If passed, the bill would override any existing regulations against genetically engineered foods that states or municipalities may have already passed, according to the Center for Food Safety (CFS).
“With this vote, committee members are clearly saying they are against states’ rights, against small farmers looking to protect their livelihoods and against consumers who want to exercise their freedom to choose what they eat. This is unacceptable,” said Colin O’Neil, director of government affairs at CFS, in a statement to the press. “At a time when Americans — farmers and consumers alike — are seeking greater diversity and individual control in their food choices, this bill smashes those rights. Should the bill pass on the House floor, Americans across the country will be looking to the Senate to stand up for farmers and consumers.”
At the hearing, Rep. Chris Gibson (R-New York) and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Massachusetts) opposed the bill and said there should be a mandatory standard for labeling foods of this nature. The bill will now be sent to the House floor for debate that could begin next week.
