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GMO labelling legislation passed in Connecticut

Dec. 12, 2013, Fairfield, CT - Connecticut is the first U.S. state to pass legislation to make companies say if their products contain genetically modified organisms or GMOs.

The state bill requires certain foods intended for humans to be clearly marked that it is entirely or partially genetically engineered.

Connecticut's law goes into effect after four other states enacted similar legislation.

"I am proud that leaders from each of the legislative caucuses can come together to make our state the first in the nation to require the labeling of (Genetically Modified Organisms)," Gov. Dannel Malloy said in a statement. "The end result is a law that shows our commitment to consumers' right to know while catalyzing other states to take similar action."

In addition, a combination of northeastern states with a combined population of at least 20 million, including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, must adopt similar laws.

Officials said the bill also includes language that will protect local farmers to ensure regional adoption of the new labeling system before it will require local farms to analyze and label genetically engineered products.

December 12, 2013  By Top Crop Manager