A bill passed by the Vermont Senate would make that state the first to enshrine mandatory labeling of foods made with genetically modified organisms.
Reuters reports the effort comes as the developers of genetically modified crops and the $360 billion packaged food industry push an opposing bill in Congress. Last week a bill was introduced that would nullify any law that would require labeling of foods made with genetically modified crops.
Vermont’s bill already passed the state House of Representatives, and now returns to that chamber. If it passes there, the law will take effect July 1, 2016.
Twenty-nine states are considering GMO labeling bills, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Bills passed last year in Maine and Connecticut also require GMO labeling laws, but must have neighboring states do the same before they become effective.