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Ben & Jerry’s joins support for GMO labeling law

Ice cream makers Ben & Jerry’s is joining the effort to defend Vermont’s GMO labeling law. The law, scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2016 would require any products sold in the state which may contain genetically modified ingredients to say-so on the label.

The Grocery Manufacturers’ Association, Snack Food Association, the International Dairy Foods Association and the National Association of Manufacturers have filed suit charging the requirement interferes with interstate commerce and would confuse consumers.

Ben & Jerry’s joined Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) and Consumers Union, the policy arm of Consumer Reports in submitting legal briefs defending the law saying Vermont consumers want to make an informed decision about what they consume.

There is a growing push to have Congress pass some type of national labeling standard to avoid the emergence of a patchwork of state laws.