Vermont’s first-of-its-kind law requiring the labeling of foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) could cost the grocery industry as much as $10 million in fines a day, according to the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA). The association made this claim in a recent letter sent to officials in Vermont. Vermont’s state labeling mandate on foods containing GMOs is scheduled to go into effect in July 2016. GMA is challenging the law in federal court. Though the case is pending, manufacturers are preparing for its implementation if need be. But this is proving to be an immense challenge, GMA says.
“The challenges and costs associated with compliance are inordinate and compounded by the fact that the state of Vermont has repeatedly failed to respond to numerous comments we submitted seeking clarification in the implementation of the law, and has yet to provide any guidance on the subject,” wrote Pamela Bailey, GMA’s president and CEO.