News
2013-03-04 | permalink
Labeling of genetically engineered fresh produce passes Hawaii (USA) house committee
In front of a crowded gallery, consumers and distributors exchanged extremely emotional testimony at the Consumer Protection Committee hearing on House Bill 174, which requires the labeling of genetically engineered fresh produce sold in Hawai’i. Consumers, including parents that escorted children, outlined the risks of consumption along with the need for transparency of labeling, while distributors emphasized the safety of genetically engineered foods and the costs associated with implementation. HB 174 eventually passed through the Committee and now moves on to the House floor where it faces another reading.
2013-03-04 | permalink
Vermont (USA) House Committee on Agriculture and Forest Products clears GE food labeling bill
A proposal to force food producers to label genetically modified or engineered products cleared a significant hurdle in the Vermont Statehouse Friday. The House Committee on Agriculture and Forest Products voted in favor of passage 8-3. Experts estimate about 80 percent of processed foods contain at least one genetically engineered ingredient. Earlier this year, Vt. Attorney General Bill Sorrell cautioned lawmakers that should such a bill pass, the state faces substantial legal challenges. But proponents say the issue is too important to ignore.
WCAX Radio, USA: Vt. House committee approves GMO food bill- Vermont Digger, USA: House committee backs labeling law for genetically modified foods
- Seven Days, USA: Who’s trying to kill the GMO bill?
- Food Navigator, USA: Vermont GMO labeling bill passes first hurdle
- Vermont Public Radio, USA: Shumlin expresses doubts on GMO bill
2013-02-26 | permalink
IRRI: No Golden Rice in the next 2 years
The International Rice Research Institute, IRRI, based in the Phillipines has corrected recent media stories that the 30 year old GM rice, which is supposed to provide beta carotine to vitamin A deficient mothers and children, was about to be planted and disseminated this year. The rice would only be commercialised if it was deemend safe and proven to actually improve the vitamin A status of its consumers. This was still to be proven: "This process may take another two years or more."
2013-02-26 | permalink
Serbian public debates genetically modified food ban
In order to join the World Trade Organisation, Serbia must change a 2008 law which prohibits producing or trafficking genetically modified foods on its territory. With membership in the organisation, Serbia can still ban production of foods with genetically modified organisms, but cannot ban import of it. While some have accepted the argument in favour of changing the law, many remain against genetically enhanced foods.
2013-02-26 | permalink
Coalition presses New Jersey to be first U.S. state to label GE food
A coalition of consumer and environmental groups is urging New Jersey to become the first state to require the labeling of genetically engineered foods. About 80 percent of corn and soybean crops are now grown with genetically modified seeds, but consumers aren’t aware that’s what they’re eating, said Stephanie Harris with the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey. “The health risks today are not entirely known, and many consumers feel that they do not want to be the guinea pigs of the industry in order to find out, 20 years down the road, what the health risks are,” she said.
