The DARK Act Moves Forward: We Can’t Let Congress Ban GMO Labeling

Monsanto’s Dream Bill, also known as the Denying Americans the Right to Know (DARK) Act, would prevent states from requiring on-package labels for genetically engineered food (GMOs). This week, it moved one step closer to becoming law. It would overturn the common-sense laws that already exist in Vermont, Connecticut, and Maine. The food industry is anxious to get this bill to the Senate floor for a vote. We can’t let corporate influence drown out our voices. 

What’s Happened So Far?

On Tuesday, the Senate Agriculture Committee, chaired by Senator Roberts (R-KS), voted 14-6 in favor of the DARK Act —with three Democrats, Senators Klobuchar (D-MN), Donnelley (D-IN) and Heitkamp (D-ND), voting yes. Last night, the bill was assigned a number: S. 2609.

What Happens Next?  

Senator Roberts is anxious to send the DARK Act to the floor for a vote as soon as possible. We have to let our senators know we won’t accept anything short of clear, on-package labeling for GMO foods.

What’s Different Between the Senate and House Versions?

The Senate bill doesn’t include all of the pieces that are in the House bill, which dealt with local and state rules on growing GMOs and what foods can be labeled as “natural.”

The current version of the Senate bill is made up of three parts, which would:

Stop states from passing GMO labeling laws

Tell the USDA to set up a voluntary labeling program

Tell the USDA to educate the public about the benefits of GMOs

Lots of Senators are calling for some “compromise” to make the bill more palatable, but we need to make sure that they understand that anything less than mandatory on-package labeling is unacceptable.

We have to let our senators know we won't accept anything short of clear, on-package labeling for GMO foods. 

Who’s Lobbying for the Bill?

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), which represents powerful companies like Pepsi, Kraft, and General Mills, has spent millions of dollars lobbying against state GMO labeling laws, and continues to spend money to drown out the voices of the people who want to know what they’re eating.

We can’t let that happen. We still have the power to stop the DARK Act, but we need to move quickly. Before the Senate votes, let your senator know we want to know what kind of food we’re buying!