Bill > H0722

This bill amends Vermont law to require labeling for food produced with genetic engineering, defining "genetic engineering" as the modification of an organism's genetic material through specific laboratory techniques like recombinant DNA or cell fusion that overcome natural reproductive barriers. The bill adds new definitions for terms such as "enzyme," "in vitro nucleic acid techniques," "raw agricultural commodity," "processed food," and "processing aid" to clarify the scope of the labeling requirements. It mandates that raw agricultural commodities entirely or partially produced with genetic engineering must be labeled "genetically engineered" on their packaging or shelf display, while processed foods must be labeled "partially produced with genetic engineering" or "may be partially produced with genetic engineering" on the front or back of their packaging. The bill also prohibits misleading claims like "natural" for foods produced with genetic engineering. However, it provides several exemptions, including for food derived from animals not produced with genetic engineering, raw agricultural commodities grown without the knowing use of genetically engineered food or seed (with sworn statements required), processed foods that use genetically engineered processing aids or enzymes, certain beverages, and specific processed foods with minimal amounts of genetically engineered ingredients until July 1, 2019. Additionally, foods certified as organic, certain unpackaged foods served in restaurants, and medical foods are exempt. The bill also updates a reference in the regulations section to align with the new labeling provisions.