Knitting together at least five New England states to impose labeling requirements on foods with ingredients containing genetically modified organisms(GMOs)just became more elusive.
That's because in New Hampshire,the House of Representatives has voted down its version of the GMO bill by 185-162.
Last year,Connecticut was the first state to adopt a GMO law with a trigger for taking effect when five contiguous states adopted similar laws.Maine followed by enacting a law that becomes effective when its legislature adjourns this year.
New Hampshire was the third up but began running into trouble last year when its GMO bill had a rough ride through committee.The debate brought out the usual arguments from both sides.
Proponents say their constituents are concerned about their health and want labeling so they can pick out foods without GMOs.Opponents say there is no evidence of a GMO health threat and that states cannot regulate the interstate commerce of food.
The defeat in New Hampshire is the most significant loss for the pro-labeling side since Initiative 522 was narrowly rejected by Washington state voters this past November.Had GMO labeling supporters prevailed in Concord,they still would have needed to get bills passed in Massachusetts and one other state.
