Just Label It Applauds Maine’s Historic Vote on GE Labeling Bill

Washington, D.C. (June 11th, 2013) – Just Label It applauded Maine’s House of Reprentatives for today’s historic vote passing LD-718, which would require the labeling of genetically engineered (GE) food and seed stock sold in Maine. The bill passed through the House by an overwhelming margin of 141 to 4, and now moves on to the Senate.

“Maine’s momentous vote rides on the wave of the growing movement for GE labeling in New England and across the country, and symbolizes the common sentiment by consumers everywhere for greater transparency in our food,” said Katrina Staves, Campaign Manager for Just Label It.

More than 20 other states are considering similar legislation this year, including Washington and Vermont. Last week, Connecticut became the first state to pass a GE labeling bill, which will go into effect when four states, including one neighboring one, pass similar legislation. A federal GE labeling bill was also introduced this spring by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR).

Polls show that more than 90% of American consumers want to know about the food they’re eating, a right held by citizens in 64 countries around the world that already require mandatory labeling of GE foods.

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