Vermont Introduces Monumental GMO Labeling Legislation
10th February 2012
Contributing Writer for Wake Up World
Vermont has taken the initiative against Monsanto and other biotechnology corporations in launching new legislation that would require the labeling of products containing genetically modified ingredients. The bill, known as the ‘VT Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act’, was introduced to the Vermont House of Representatives by Representative Kate Webb of Shelburne on February 1st, 2012. The bill would require the labeling of not only products filled entirely with GMOs, but also for those partially created using GM ingredients.
Perhaps most monumental is the fact that the legislation would prohibit GMO food manufacturers from using promotional labels like “natural,” “naturally made,” “naturally grown,” “all natural,” or any words of similar import. The bill, which can be read for free online, would require strict and clear labeling on GMO-containing food items. The wording states that in the case of a raw agricultural commodity, the label ‘genetically modified’ would be clearly visible. As for processed food products, the words ‘partially produced with genetic engineering’ or ‘may be partially produced with genetic engineering’ would appear prominently on the front or back of the package.
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture , testimony is to begin on the topic later this month.
The introduction of the legislation highlights the growing grassroots opposition against Monsanto and GMOs alike. In addition, the legislation would end phony ‘all natural’ product claims when in actuality they contain very unnatural genetically modified organisms. Just recently one consumer took legal action against major snack-maker Frito-Lay, claiming that the labeling of GMO-filled snack products as ‘all natural’ is deceptive and misleading.
VPIRG Consumer Protection Advocate Falko Schilling spoke in support of the act saying “This is a consumer right to know issue, just as we require nutritional labels on food so that shoppers can make informed choices, consumers should have the same access to information about whether their food has been genetically engineered.”
In the event this bill passes, a political awakening could occur across the nation regarding the true labeling of products filled with genetically modified ingredients.
About the Author
Anthony Gucciardi is an accomplished investigative journalist with a passion for natural health. Anthony’s articles have been featured on top alternative news websites such as Infowars, NaturalNews, Rense, and many others. Anthony is the co-founder of Natural Society, a website dedicated to sharing life-saving natural health techniques. Stay in touch with Natural Society via the following sites Facebook – Twitter – Web
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about 3 months ago
Yay, Vermont! We have been working on this out here in HAwaii and California’s GMO Ballot initiative holds promise as well. Thank you for spreading the vital news about GMOs and especially this good news. Vermonters, please vote in this bill!
about 3 months ago
The VT Right to Know GMO bill makes so much sense! Let the free-market system work and allow consumers the right to know what’s in their food. If they choose to eat Monsato’s GMO-laden food, so be it. However, with any understanding at all of the subject, I think consumers will make a healthier choice.
The group sponsoring the bill is keeping people up to date on their Facebook page. “Like” it to find out how Vermont is going to be 1st AGAIN! https://www.facebook.com/VTrighttoknow
about 3 months ago
Bravo Vermont! It takes courage to stand up to Monsanto’s agribusiness tyranny, but we must all fight to save the remaining purity and integrity of our world food supply. Even in Iowa – where Monsanto dominates farmers and the rural countyside like Goliath – people are waking up to the mounting health dangers posed by GMO’s.
about 3 months ago
I <3 VT
As usual, VT leads the way in 'common sense' legislation. Take Vermont forward!