Grocery Manufacturers Association to Sue VT over GMO Law

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) will sue the state of Vermont over its new GMO labeling law. The announcement of the lawsuit came yesterday right after Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin signed into law a bill requiring that all foods sold in the state that contain genetically engineered ingredients be labeled as such. The law is the first of its kind in the nation.

“I am proud that we’re leading the way in the United States to require labeling of genetically engineered food. More than 60 countries have already restricted or labeled these foods, and now one state – Vermont — will also ensure that we know what’s in the food we buy and serve our families,” Shumlin told the crowd who had gathered for the signing.

The law goes into effect July 1, 2016. After that date, violators face penalties and further action by the Attorney General’s Office.

“The constitutionality of the GMO labeling law will undoubtedly be challenged,” said Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell. “I can make no predictions or promises about how the courts will ultimately rule but I can promise that my office will mount a vigorous and zealous defense of the law that has so much support from Vermont consumers.  I thank the Governor and the Legislature for ensuring we have the resources we need to get the job done.”

The GMA says the law is flawed and is not in the best interest of consumers. “GM crops are safe and have important benefits for people and our planet.  They use less water and fewer pesticides, reduce crop prices by 15-30 percent and can help us feed a growing global population of seven billion people.  The FDA, World Health Organization, American Medical Association and U.S. National Academy of Science have all found that foods and beverages that contain GM ingredients are safe and materially no different than conventionally produced products,” GMA said in its statement about the suit.

What’s more, says GMA, the law is unnecessary as cosumers who prefer to avoid GM ingredients can just buy products that are certified organic. “The government therefore has no compelling interest in warning consumers about foods containing GM ingredients, making this law’s legality suspect at best,” says the GMA. It favors the federal bill HR 4432.