Provides for the labeling of raw agricultural commodities, processed foods, seed, and seed stock produced with genetic engineering

31 Co-sponsors

• Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.
• Tony Avella
• Phil Boyle
• Neil D. Breslin
• David Carlucci
• Leroy Comrie
• Martin Malavé Dilan
• Adriano Espaillat
• Michael Gianaris
• Jesse Hamilton
• Kemp Hannon
• Ruth Hassell-Thompson
• Brad Hoylman-Sigal
• Todd Kaminsky
• Liz Krueger
• Andrew J. Lanza
• George Latimer
• Jack M. Martins
• Velmanette Montgomery
• Terrence P. Murphy
• Marc Panepinto
• Kevin S. Parker
• José Peralta
• Bill Perkins
• Roxanne J. Persaud
• Gustavo Rivera
• Joseph E. Robach
• James Sanders Jr.
• Diane J. Savino
• José M. Serrano
• Toby Ann Stavisky

Title of bill

An act to amend the general business law and the agriculture and markets law, in relation to the labeling of genetically modified foods

Purpose

To require the labeling of genetically engineered seed, seed stock and human food offered for retail sale in New York.

Summary of provisions

Section 1. Sets forth the legislative intent.

Section 2. Defines genetically engineered foods and provides for exemptions from labeling under certain circumstances.

Section 3 and 4. Makes conforming changes to the Agriculture and Markets Law. Section 5. Provides the severability clause.

Section 6. Sets forth the effective date.

Justification

Genetic engineering (genetic modification) is a type of biotechnology that allows for the altering of genetic material contained in an organism such that it changes the character traits displayed by the organism while it develops and grows. The altering of an organism's genetic material can occur by the introduction of new genetic material derived from similar species or unrelated species or by altering the organism's existing genetic material. Genetic engineering is not the same as traditional breeding techniques in that it involves methodologies that transcend natural reproductive processes.

In agriculture, genetic engineering has been overwhelmingly used to create crops that are herbicide-tolerant, insect-resistant or both. For example, Bt corn plants are varieties of corn that have been genetically engineered to produce a toxin derived from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that is deadly to certain insects that attack corn. The modified genetic material from the bacteria is inserted into the corn plant DNA such that the corn now produces its own supply of Bt toxin in most tissues, through its lifespan, making it deadly to those insects. Most Bt corn plants have been engineered to be herbicide-tolerant as well.

Genetically engineered (also "GE" or "GMO") crops were introduced commercially in the U. S. in 1996. Today, GE varieties of corn, soybean, sugar beets and cotton are the most prevalent, growing on more than 90% of the U. S. acreage growing these crops. GE canola, alfalfa, Hawaiian papaya and varieties of squash and zucchini are also being cultivated. A GE potato was recently approved and may begin cultivation in 2015; other crops as well as a GE salmon are awaiting approval. It has been estimated that 70-80% of packaged grocery products (processed foods) contain materials derived from these genetically engineered crops. GE Hawaiian papaya, GE squash/zucchini and varieties of sweet corn could be sold directly to consumers. More than 60 countries have laws mandating disclosure of genetically engineered foods; there is no federal law mandating such disclosure in the US. The purpose of this bill is to provide New York consumers with the ability to make an informed choice whether to purchase genetically engineered foods through mandated product labeling.

Legislative history

2013-14 S/3835B/A.3525E; 2011-12 S.3908/A.1367; 2009-10 S.2052/A.500; S.3525A.6075, 2007-08; S.1637/A.3165, 2005-06; S.1834/A.4206, 2003-04; S.3348/A.6778, 2001-02.

Fiscal implications

Undetermined. EFFECTIVE DATE : This at shall take effect twenty-four months after it shall have become law; however, effective immediately, the department of Agriculture and Markets shall adopt any rules and regulations necessary to implement this act.