#HB1572 KILLED-establishing a commission to study the labeling of genetically modified foods #nhhouse

HB 1572, establishing a commission to study the labeling of genetically modified foods.  MAJORITY:  INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.  MINORITY:  OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Stephen J Palmer for the Majority of  Environment and Agriculture:  Discussion concluded that labeling of product containing GMO’s would be impractical.  At what level of product would we not have to label. The committee decided that more information and study is required to make an accurate decision. Vote 12-1.      

Rep. Suzanne J Smith for the Minority of  Environment and Agriculture: The minority believes that there are many unanswered questions pertaining to genetic engineering or modification (GE/GM) of food crops.  An Environment and Agriculture Committee study two years ago, focused on the labeling of seeds – not food products.  At the public hearing we learned that over 90 percent of soybeans and 80 percent of corn grown come from genetically engineered or genetically modified (GE/GM) seeds. Twelve percent of zucchini grown in this country is GE/GM. One of our major trading partners, China, grows and distributes GE/GM sweet peppers.  Consumers in New Hampshire deserve to know whether produce and food products they are buying come from GE/GM sources.  Nearly 50 countries including the 15 European Union nations, Russia, Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea require mandatory labeling of products containing genetically engineered ingredients.  GE plants are genetically modified using recombinant DNA methods of breeding.  This leads to many unanswered questions. The FDA approves voluntary labeling, but is this enough?  Therefore, the minority believes that a study committee is the first step towards better, more accurate labeling of our food products made here in New Hampshire.