BOSTON — A bill that would require clear labels on foods containing genetically modified ingredients has won the backing of a Statehouse committee.
The bill cleared the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture on Thursday.
Advocates said the bill has bipartisan support in the Massachusetts House and Senate with 154 co-sponsors out of 200 members.
Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group’s Deirdre Cummings said similar laws have passed in Connecticut, Maine and Vermont. The Vermont law takes effect in July.
The food industry has said it supports voluntary labeling policies but opposes mandatory labeling on packages of foods that include genetically modified organisms, or GMOs.
They say GMOs are safe and allow more food to be produced on less land.
The bill must be approved by lawmakers and signed by the governor.
