Whole Foods market made news last week when the company decided to label genetically modified foods and Connecticut state lawmakers will take up the hotly contested debate on Friday.
If the bill passes, Connecticut would be the first state in the nation to label genetically modified food.
Lawmakers will hear from experts on both sides of the issue as they consider a bill that would require labeling genetically engineered food.
Jerry Greenfield, the Jerry of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, is in the state for the hearing.
His company plans to go GMO free by the end of the year and it is supporting mandatory GMO labeling legislation.
The federal government and scientists have stated that GMOs are safe, while some advocates said labels help people make better food decisions.
The Center for Food Safety says several studies have revealed that genetically engineered foods can pose serious risks to humans, domesticated animals, wildlife and the environment.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration looked into genetically modified foods and only weighed in on voluntary labeling. “While the use of bioengineering is not a material fact, many consumers are interested in the information, and some manufacturers may want to respond to this consumer desire,” their recommendation states.
More than 100 people in support of the bill are expected to be at the hearing, which starts at 10:30 a.m.
Pennsylvania and New Jersey are also considering labeling genetically modified food.
