US Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Require Labeling of GM Foods

Several US lawmakers and a co-founder of the US awareness group Food Policy Action introduced, requiring the Food and Drug Administration to clearly label genetically engineered foods intended for human consumption.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Several US lawmakers and a co-founder of the US awareness group Food Policy Action introduced legislation that requires labeling of genetically engineered food, US Senator Boxer’s press office said in a statement.

“US Senator Barbara Boxer, US Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congressman Peter DeFazio today joined with Chef Tom Colicchio at a press event in the Capitol to introduce the Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act,” the statement released Thursday said.

The legislation would require the Food and Drug Administration to clearly label genetically engineered foods intended for human consumption, according to the press release.

"If food manufacturers stand by their product and the technology they use to make it, they should have no problem disclosing that information to consumers,” US Representative for Oregon Peter DeFazio said.

More than 90 percent of US citizens support the labeling of genetically engineered foods, the statement highlighted.

Manufacturers are required to label foods containing GMO ingredients in over 60 countries around the world. In the United States and Canada, GMO labeling is not mandatory.