Industry Group To Weigh In On GMO Labeling Debate

With the rise in state legislative efforts to require labeling for foods produced using genetic engineering or "GMOs," the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) is poised to enter the labeling debate by working with federal legislators to propose a federal standard.  A draft of the proposed legislation shows three objectives: (1) to establish a process for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct safety reviews plant varieties proposed to be consumed as genetically engineered food; (2) to create a legal framework governing the use of labels disclosing the presence or absence of GMOs; and (3) to require the FDA to define the term "natural" for purposes of labeling.  A federal GMO regulation would provide a unified approach to GMO labeling and preempt state and local labeling requirements.