WASHINGTON (AP) — Senators have a bipartisan deal on labeling of genetically modified ingredients, a week before a labeling law in Vermont goes into effect.
The top Republican and Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday announced legislation to pre-empt Vermont's law and give food companies more flexibility with the labels. Instead of text that says the item was produced with genetic engineering, companies could instead use a symbol or an electronic label accessed by smartphone.
The agreement couldn't become law before Vermont's law kicks in July 1, since the House is on vacation until July 5. Legislation passed by the House would make the labeling voluntary.
The deal comes after more than a year of negotiations between Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and Republican Sen. Pat Roberts of Kansas.
