Connecticut became the first state to pass legislation requiring the labeling of genetically-modified foods this week.
The only snag is that in order for the law to go into effect, four other states must also adopt similar legislation.
First In The Nation
The Connecticut General Assembly passed the measure to clearly label all food that was entirely or partially genetically modified Monday with little oposition.
The proposed bill cleared the State Senate unanimously, and received a 134-to-3 vote in the State House.
Governor Dannel P. Malloy has said he will sign the bill.
Safety In Numbers
In order for the bill to become active, however, four other states must pass similar legislation.
The idea is to keep Connecticut's food products from becoming too expensive and to avoid lawsuits by food manufacturers.
According to the bill, one of the four states must border Connecticut. Another needs to be a large northeastern state such as New York.
GMO Fight Continues
Time will tell if Connecticut's law goes into effect. Even if not, it will continue to be the first state to have passed GMO labeling rules, paving the way for future legal action.
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and Connecticut State Senator President Donald Williams, Jr. are taking to the capital Friday in an effort to bring federal awareness to the issue.
Read More:
- Conn. officials call for federal GMO labeling bill (WTNH.com)
- House Gives Final Approval to GMO Labeling Bill (Hartford Courant)
- Connecticut will label GMOs if you do too (Grist)