Senate legislation was introduced yesterday (Thursday) that will set a national standard for the labeling of foods containing genetically modified ingredients, also known as GMOs. The law will supersede a variety of differing state laws and provide unified symbols for food manufacturers. The legislation does exempt meat, dairy and eggs fed GMOs from the labeling process. Policy Director of the Iowa Soybean Association, Carol Balvanz, said, “This compromise is a first step in putting something down on paper that everyone can live with around labeling foods containing GMOs.” The listed exemptions, Balvanz added, are a positive for Iowa soybean farmers whose number one customer is livestock. The Iowa Soybean Association will be continuing their lobbying efforts and talk with Senators about supporting the bill through Senate, and ultimately, House votes.
