CO ponders labels for genetically engineered food

By The AP
Thursday, February 21, 2013

DENVER — Required labels for genetically engineered food are under consideration in Colorado.

A House committee planned to consider a bill Thursday to give Colorado the nation’s most expansive “GMO” label requirements.

More than 60 countries require genetically modified foods to be labeled, but the U.S. isn’t one of them. Only Alaska has enacted legislation requiring the labeling of genetically engineered fish and shellfish products.

Colorado’s bill would exempt restaurant food, chewing gum and alcohol.

Many scientists say the labels aren’t useful because genetically modified or engineered foods are safe. California voters last year rejected a statewide labeling requirement.

One of Colorado’s members of Congress has suggested a national labeling law. Democratic Rep. Jared Polis says consumers need the information.