GE labeling victory

This article was originally published in June 2014

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), a Wash., D.C. lobbying group, says it will sue the state of Vermont in federal court to overturn the nation’s first law to label genetically engineered (GE) foods.

Vermont’s GE labeling law is set to take effect July 1, 2016. It’s essentially the same as Washington’s late labeling initiative, I-522, but contains one extra provision making it illegal to label any GE food as “natural” or “all natural.”

Shumlin says the state has set up a “food fight fund” to take online donations to help defend the law from the GMA lawsuit.
For a list of brands that are GMA members, see the chart, “Who Owns Organic?”

Also in this issue

Surprising facts about sunscreen

Do you depend on sunscreen for skin protection? A good sunscreen can play role in preventing sunburns that are a major risk factor for melanoma – provided you use it correctly.

Extreme weather is affecting food prices

The people who produce our food are sweating out the current drought. Costs for water and animal feed are soaring and retail food prices are beginning to climb, too.

Soil & Sea: reports from our producers

Learn about the shortage of hard cider apples, why prices for limes are sky-high, grants for young farmers, and how chickens are the latest therapy animals, providing companionship for the elderly in nursing homes.