Vermont’s GM labeling requirements take effect.

• As the food industry is well aware, Vermont’s labeling requirements for genetically modified (GM) foods have now gone into effect.

• As covered earlier this week, Congress appears to have reached a bipartisan deal to establish a national labeling standard for GM foods that would pre-empt conflicting state requirements (including Vermont’s).  Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) immediately opposed the bill and attempted to create a procedural block to its consideration.  Despite reports of procedural confusion on the Senate floor related to this issue, it now appears that the Senate is set to vote on the GM labeling bill next week.

• It has become virtually impossible to predict whether the latest Congressional attempt actually will become law before the end of the Obama administration.  We continue to monitor this situation very closely and will report on any developments related to next week’s vote.