U.S. SENATE PASSES BIOTECH LABELING BILL

The U.S. Senate has passed the biotech food labeling bill by a vote of 63 to 30. The bill aims to create a national standard for labeling foods containing biotech products.

The bill, drafted by Senators Pat Roberts and Debbie Stabenow, would block states from issuing mandatory labeling laws and require food manufacturers to use one of three different labels to inform consumers of biotech presence in products: (1) label with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) symbol indicating the presence of GMOs; (2) label using plain language; or (3) add a scanning code that links to ingredient details.

"It will provide fair and objective information without stigmatizing foods that are completely safe,"  said Senator Joe Donnelly, who voted for the passage of the bill. "After months of discussion, we have found a sensible proposal that will bring the right information into our homes and to grocery stores in a responsible way," he added.

For more information, read the news release in Science.