A revised bill that would block state GMO labeling laws may be introduced in the House as early as this week, and is anticipated to contain a “new provision to regulate foods promoted as non-biotech.” The legislation would create a USDA certification process for non-GMO labeled foods.

Philip Brasher (@philipbrasher) reports for Agri-Pulse (@agripulse); Sara Wyant also contributed to the piece.

 

Under the bill, no labeling of GMO foods could be required unless is a “material difference” between the biotech ingredient and its conventionally bred version.

Requiring USDA to regulate non-GMO labeling would allow the House and Senate Agriculture committees to share jurisdiction over the bill with the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has oversight for FDA.The USDA certification process is modeled after the National Organic Program run by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. Food makers that use the non-GMO label would be barred from suggesting “either expressly or by implication” that their products are safer than biotech versions.

A draft copy of the bill – being introduced by Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kansas) – is available here.

 

RELATED LINKS:

Vilsack: Smartphones could help resolve GMO labeling debate

GMO labeling confusing to consumers

Oregon GMO proponents file lawsuit