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Vermont House Passes GMO Labeling Bill

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The Vermont House has taken a final, and resounding, vote to pass a bill that's likely to make Vermont the first state with a labeling requirement for genetically modified foods.

The House voted 114-30 to concur with a Senate version of the bill.  Governor Peter Shumlin issued a statement saying he “wholeheartedly agreed” with its passage and “looks forward to signing this bill into law”.

Maine and Connecticut passed GMO labeling bills before Vermont, but theirs take effect only if neighboring states follow along.

Vermont is going solo with a bill that would take effect July 1, 2016.

Supporters argued that their constituents want to know what's in their food. Critics said the measure would set Vermont up for a long court fight with the food and biotech industries.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.  Copyright 2104. All rights reserved.

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