The head of the Biotechnology Industry Organization is pressuring Congress to pass legislation establishing voluntary labeling standards for foods with genetically modified organisms—a move that would nullify state laws requiring mandatory labeling.

In an op-ed in The Hill, BIO CEO James Greenwood said passage of the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act would provide "clarity and consistency for American consumers" in food labeling. The bill has cleared the U.S. House of Representatives and is now before the Senate.

"The environmental, economic and societal benefits of biotechnology provide poignant human success stories," Greenwood said. "But fears about food safety are also at the heart of this debate even when the scientific evidence calls for no such concern."

GMO opponents claim the technology is potentially unhealthy, although proponents point out that multiple scientific organizations have proclaimed genetically engineered food safe to eat. Vermont recently became the first state to require labels telling consumers they are purchasing foods with GMO ingredients. A coalition of business groups led by the Grocery Manufacturers Association sued the state to overturn the law.

Greenwood and other GMO supporters say labeling would increase food prices. For a family of four, labeling could add another $500 to their grocery bills per year, he said.

"Consumers with such preferences are free to choose non-GMO and USDA Organic-labeled products to avoid genetically modified ingredients," Greenwood said. "The non-GMO and organic food industry is growing and is always adding new products to appeal to this market." http://bit.ly/1RMBc8e

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