Representative Fred Camillo (R-151) fights to protect Connecticut consumers from unknowingly purchasing and ingesting genetically modified foods (GMOs.)
Rep. Camillo has co-sponsored HB 5117 to require genetically-engineered foods to be clearly labeled and to create best practices for GMO farming, as well as establish preferences for food products that are voluntarily labeled to indicate whether they include genetically-engineered ingredients.
Rep Camillo says the measure does not take a position saying genetically modified foods are good or bad, and the bill is simply about giving information to consumers.
“Currently, there is no requirement to label foods that are genetically modified for the purpose of being pest-resistant or for any other reason,” said Rep. Fred Camillo. “With the increased popularity and availability of organic, gluten free and locally grown foods, consumers may or may not wish to purchase items known to be genetically modified, but they need the information made available to them to make those informed choices.”
This bill would require labels providing that information to consumers.
“I am not one to favor excessive state regulation, but without any oversight of genetically-engineered foods and so many unanswered questions about their safety, the state needs to step in and at least ensure GMO foods are clearly identified,” said Rep. Camillo.
