Lawmakers working on a bill that would require the labeling of food containing Genetically Modified Crops heard from a leading advocate of GMO labeling Tuesday. New Hampshire is one of a patchwork of states considering similar such bills.
Michael Hansen, a senior scientist with the publisher of Consumer Reports Magazine, told lawmakers that Europe’s labeling requirements show that many of the concerns raised by opponents of GMO labeling are unfounded.
“It did not result in increased costs despite the horrifying double digit predictions of some interests,” Hansen told the House Environment and Agriculture Committee.
The proposed New Hampshire bill was held over the summer recess for more work. Many of the state’s industrial interests fear that labeling would lead to the so-called skull-and-crossbones effect, which could lead to GMO products being taken off the market.
“My response to that is that’s markets working,” Hansen explained during his hour and a half of testimony.
Vermont and Maine are considering similar bills, and Connecticut has already passed a labeling law. In all three states “trigger” clauses require other New England states to pass similar bills on before the laws would take effect.
