June 3, 2013
After adopting differing versions of legislation concerning genetically modified foods, the House and Senate adopted historic legislation that makes Connecticut the first state to enact labeling requirements for such foods.
The legislation requires genetically-engineered foods to be labeled “Produced with Genetic Engineering”. Unpackaged produce would be labeled on their retail shelf or bin. There is an exemption for locally grown foods at roadside stands as well as for restaurants.
The final version, a compromise between the House and Senate versions, modified exemptions and changed the 'trigger' for action from legislation in states with a population of 25 million to states with a population of 20 million.
In the end, this is a lesson in grassroots organization partly provoked by recent Congressional action allowing Monsanto to market products, even those deemed to be unsafe. GMO labeling was a little-discussed issue that exploded in the last few years. People drove this debate.