A mandatory GMO labelinglaw in Vermont could increase food costs for low income families in Kentucky. State Ag Commissioner Ryan Quarles says the law, which goes into effect this Friday, could ‘upend the market’ and adversely affect farmers who sell their products across the U.S.
John Dunham and Associates projected the increase in a study paid for the by the Corn Refiners Association. The study examined the costs and benefits of GMO labeling. John Dunham says the proposed bills in Congress debating a mandatory national system for GMO disclosures would do two things against the Vermont mandate:
“One, they lengthen the amount of time that manufacturers have to put labels on their products and that would reduce costs just by lengthening the time allowed, reduce costs a lot. The other thing that, what we call preemption would do, is ensure that there is one national standard for labels rather than 51, or could be hundreds of different standards if cities start doing this and that could make costs just outlandish for the food industry,” says Dunham.
The study, ‘Cost Impact of Vermont’s GMO Labeling Law on Consumers Nationwide,’ is an examination on the costs and benefits of a GMO labeling requirement and an examination of how much a labeling requirement would cost both the industry and consumers. Dunham says they looked at increased labeling costs, process of having to replace labels, certification, or the costs in examining food products to make sure there are or aren't GMO's in the food and then also the costs of substituting non GMO products for GMO based products.
The plan up for debate in Congress would require food companies to disclose which products contain genetically modified ingredients. However, the companies would be able to choose how disclose the information. Options range between placing text on food packaging, providing a Quick Response code, or directing consumers to a phone number or a website with more information.
Vermont’s law would most likely be nullified when Congress finalizes a bill, taking the decisions out of states’ hands. Whether or not a decision will be made before July 1st, is unknown.
The Centers for Food Safety estimate that upwards of75% of processed foods on supermarket shelves contain GMO ingredients.
