Tester: ‘Consumers should know if their food was created in a lab’

Senator introduces bipartisan bill to require labeling of genetically engineered food

(U.S. Senate) – Montana farmer and U.S. Senator Jon Tester introduced bipartisan legislation requiring the labeling of genetically engineered food.

Tester’s bill would ensure that consumers are well-informed about the food they purchase. Currently there is no requirement for companies using genetically engineered ingredients to disclose that information on ingredient labels.

“Consumers have a right to know if the food they feed their families was created in a lab,” Tester said. “Information is power, and this bill will empower folks to make their own educated choices about the food they buy.”

The Senator’s bill also bans companies from labeling genetically engineered food as ‘natural.’

Tester, a strong advocate for food labeling, recently held an event with food experts and famous chefs to discuss the importance of labeling genetically engineered foods, and last Congress, he also successfully repealed a provision, known as the “Monsanto Protection Act,” that directed USDA to ignore any judicial ruling that blocked the planting of genetically modified crops.

Tester’s Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act, which is cosponsored by 13 other senators, is available online HERE.