GMO, Supplements Labeling Legislation on Hold Until January

WASHINGTON—Genetically engineered foods (GMOs) will have to be labeled and supplements manufacturers will have more leeway in their labeling process if Congress passes two new bills that are on hold until January.

The Dietary Supplement Fairness in Labeling Advertising Act, introduced on Oct. 20 by Sen. Michael Crapo, R-ID, will allow supplements manufacturers to mention broader scientific research in their labels and advertisements. Currently, the FTC limits scientific claims to those that are the result of human clinical trials.

In addition, when the FTC is investigating scientific claims, supplements company scientists could consult with the FTC and offer their own evidence.

The Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act, introduced in mid-November by Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-OH, would require a label that says “United States government notice: This product contains genetically engineered material, or was produced with a genetically engineered material.”

The bill covers crops, meats and poultry with a custody chain of responsibility, where whoever has custody of the food must certify its GMO status.

This could be a blow to the natural products industry, says Susan Haeger, president of Boulder, CO-based Citizens For Health.“Most suppliers and manufacturers can’t get ahold of non-GE ingredients right now,” Haeger says.