<p>Once again, California legislators have rejected a proposal that would require labels on foods with ingredients that have been genetically modified. This is the second time in two years that lawmakers have denied the law in the state. <B>The measure failed to pass the state Senate by two votes.</b><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">“This bill is a straightforward, common-sense approach to empowering consumers,” said Democratic Senator Noreen Evans. “If the produce contains GMOs, label it. We shouldn’t be hiding ingredients.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">If passed, this would have made California the second state to allow a GMO labeling law. Earlier this month, <B>Vermont became the first U.S. state to pass the measure</b>, according to Reuters. So far, <B>64 countries worldwide</b> have laws that require labeling on genetically-engineered foods.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Growers and biotech companies have been stern opponents of the bill, arguing that genetic engineering is safe and that labels are unnecessary. Reuters reports that these opponents suggest that GMOs are necessary to ensure the future of the world’s food supply, allowing scientists to develop crops that are resistant to changing environmental conditions.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Other organizations, such as grocers, retailers, chambers of commerce, and non-organic growers have also opposed the bill. These parties have continued to oppose such a law since November 2012 when the public was asked to vote on Proposition 37, which would have also required labels on genetically-engineered foods.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">The bill is eligible for reconsideration before the end of the legislative session.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue our coverage on California’s GMO labeling bill.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
