"Sen. Bernie Sanders' plan to give individual states the authority to require the labeling of genetically engineered foods has been defeated in the U.S. Senate by a three to one margin. Sanders' proposal was one of more than 70 amendments to the 2012 Farm Bill."
"The Vermont Legislature considered a GE food labeling bill this session but Democratic leaders decided not to pursue the plan because of fears that the legislation would result in a lengthy and expensive legal fight with a number of major chemical companies.
Sanders said this is a classic states' rights issue.
'This is a very conservative amendment,' he said. 'It says that the American people should have the right to know what is in the food that they and their children are eating and if that food contains genetically engineered products,' said Sanders. 'This amendment grants states to authority to label genetically engineered foods it is not a mandate.'
Michigan Democrat Debbie Stabenow is the chair of the Senate Agriculture committee. She opposed the plan because she was concerned that it would interfere with the development of drought resistant crops."
Bob Kinzel reports for Vermont Public Radio June 21, 2012.
SEE ALSO:
"GMOs Should Be Safety Tested Before They Hit the Market Says AMA" (Chicago Tribune)
"GMO Foods Don't Need Special Label, American Medical Assn. Says" (Los Angeles Times)
"AMA Is Of Two Opinions About GMOs" (Mediapost)
"Debunking the Health Claims of Genetically Modified Foods" (Atlantic)
"Genetically Modified Foods May Get Label In Calif." (AP)
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