By Patrick Whittle, The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Maine — Supporters of a Maine law that called for rules for labeling foods that contain genetically modified ingredients say they’re let down by federal legislation.
The U.S. Senate bill, passed last week, would compel companies to disclose when foods contain genetically modified ingredients, or GMOs, via a text label, a symbol or an electronic code that’s readable by a smartphone.
The bill preempts Maine’s law. The U.S. House passed it Thursday.
Maine crafted a law in January 2014 to require GMO labels if five contiguous states, including Maine, pass labeling laws.
Supporters of Maine’s law say it’s stronger than the federal standard, which they say fails to hold companies accountable. Supporters of the federal legislation say it will provide consumers more information about safe products.