Tag: GMO
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Maine Governor Signs GM Labeling Bill
Maine Gov. Paul LePage (R) has signed a bill (L.D. 718) that will require labeling for foods containing genetically modified (GM) ingredients if at least five other states or a state with a population of at least 20 million passes similar legislation. Restaurants will be exempt from the disclosure requirements, and alcoholic beverages and medical…
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Connecticut Governor Holds Ceremonial GM Labeling Bill Signing
While Connecticut enacted legislation (H.B. 6527) in June 2013 requiring that foods containing genetically modified (GM) ingredients be labeled as such, once neighboring states have adopted similar laws, Governor Daniel Malloy (D) held a ceremonial bill signing in a health food café in Fairfield on December 11, 2013. Now known as Public Act 13-183, the…
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Scientific Journal Retracts Animal Study Linking GMOs to Mammary Tumors
The journal Food and Chemical Toxicology has announced the retraction of a controversial study purportedly linking genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to mammary tumors in rats. Led by University of Caen Molecular Biology Professor Gilles-Éric Séralin, the November 2012 study garnered public attention for reporting that female rats fed GM maize developed more mammary tumors than…
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Putative Class Alleges Whole Foods Products Contain GM Ingredients
Texas and California residents have filed a putative class action against Whole Foods Market Services, Inc. in a Texas federal court, alleging that the company’s private label lines include falsely labeled additive-laden and genetically modified (GM) foods, despite promises that its products contain “nothing artificial” and that it enforces “strict quality standards.” Gedalia v. Whole…
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Canada Takes Steps to Approve GM Salmon
Environment Canada has published a significant new activity notice that will allow AquaBounty Technologies, Inc. to produce genetically modified (GM) salmon eggs. According to the company, the agency determined that GM salmon “is not harmful to the environment or human health when produced in contained facilities.” AquaBounty CEO Ron Stotish said, “This is a significant…
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Two Hawaiian Counties Tighten Restrictions on Biotech Companies, GM Crops
Two Hawaiian counties have reportedly passed legislation designed to tighten regulations on biotech companies and the planting of genetically modified (GM) crops. After delaying the ballot to appoint a new member as a replacement for Nadine Nakamura, who vacated her seat to become Mayor Bernard Carvalho’s managing director, the Kauai County Council apparently voted 5-2…
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Maine’s GM Bill Threatened by N.H. Lawmakers
Legislation (H.B. 660) in Maine that would require food manufacturers to label products containing genetically modified (GM) ingredients is reportedly in jeopardy after New Hampshire lawmakers voted 12-8 against a similar labeling bill. Although Maine’s law passed earlier this year with broad bipartisan support, it can take effect only if five contiguous states pass similar…
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WSJ Notes Labeling Trend Away from “Natural”
According to Wall Street Journal reporter Mike Esterl, products with the “natural” or “all natural” label represented $40 billion in retail sales in the United States in the preceding 12 months and market researchers have found that more than 50 percent of Americans seek the “all natural” label when they shop for food. Still, food…