The U.S. House of Representatives last week agreed to Senate amendments on legislation mandating labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMO) and passed S 764 (306-117), the Biotech Labeling Solutions Act.

The legislation requires food companies to provide information on biotech ingredients, while also giving firms the option of utilizing electronic QR codes—as opposed to on-package labeling—to inform consumers. It now gets sent to the White House, with the Obama administration already signaling intent to sign the bill into law. The new law will affect dietary supplements as well as traditional food. It will pre-empt state laws like the Vermont GMO labeling requirements that became effective July 1. Congress now begins a seven-week recess. See CRN’s Members Only website for more.

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