A protester advocates for the labeling of GMO constituents in foodstuffs. (Photo by Daniel Goehring

Ever wonder if that cereal you feed your kids is made with bioengineered products?

Opponents of genetically modified organisms, or GMO, want foods that include GMO to be labeled. A measure headed to the president’s desk would nullify a GMO labeling law in Vermont that took effect July 1.

Central Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis said Vermont’s law caused some chaos.

“Those in the food manufacturing industry, our producers and many who are concerned about one state having such an impact on interstate commerce came to us to devise a solution.”

Illinois Soybean Association Chairman Daryl Cates said the potential for having a patchwork of labeling regulations wouldn’t be good for anyone. While some people oppose mandating any labeling, the compromise was a label that leads consumers to GMO information.

“It’s going to let consumers be able to either with a barcode or an 800 number … find out what the ingredients are and if GMO products are in this food,” Cates said

Davis said the bill that passed isn’t perfect, but it had to happen to provide certainty to the food industry.

Cates said GMOs are safe and necessary.

“We will not be able to feed the world going back to all non-GMOs and organic farming. That’s just impossible to do it.”

If the measure is signed, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture has two years to establish the standards in accordance with what’s outlined in the law.

— GMO food labeling may happen nationwide —