The groundbreaking GMO labeling bill passed by the Senate last week sailed through several House committees on Tuesday and is slated to go to the floor on Wednesday.
The House concurs with the Senate changes to the bill, and the legislation will move forward without going through the conference committee process.
If Gov. Peter Shumlin signs the bill into law, the state would be the first in the nation to require manufacturers to label products containing genetically engineered ingredients.
The scientific community is not in agreement on whether GMOs are harmful to human health, but Vermont lawmakers say the bill is about consumers’ “right to know” what is in their food.
The Vermont Attorney General expects to defend the law in court, and the legislation sets up a mechanism for the state to accept donations from supporters. About $1.5 million in state settlement money is also available in the event of a lawsuit.
