The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill today that could repeal efforts to label food containing genetically modified organisms, or GMOs.
A couple of states have passed laws requiring labels on food containing GMOs. In Oregon, Jackson and Josephine counties have GMO crop bans in place. A group in Lane County is collecting signatures for a ballot measure against GMOs. But these local efforts could be undone by a bill making its way through Congress. The legislation would prevent states from passing laws mandating labels on foods containing GMOs.
The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 would instead create a federal standard for the voluntary labeling of foods with GMO ingredients.
Supporters of the bill say mandating food labeling will increase the cost of groceries. But opponents, including Oregon U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio, say Americans have a right to know what they are eating and feeding their families. The bill passed the House 275 to 150. It now moves to the U.S. Senate.
