The U.S. Senate Thursday passed a bill that is said to require consumer labeling of genetically modified foods, but opponents say it is too weak to be called a requirement. Alaska U.S Sen. Lisa Murkowski said the legislation would not obligate the makers of genetically engineered salmon to clearly distinguish their product from a natural salmon.
“The reality is we will not see the labeling that I, as an Alaskan, who is putting fish on the
![Sen. Lisa Murkowski addresses a joint session of the Legislature on Feb. 17 (Photo: Skip Gray/KTOO](https://media.alaskapublic.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/24800991980_d27cc8c595_k-e1461718870296-300x199.jpg)
dinner table for my family, would require and would want,” Murkowski said.
The bill would allow GMO food manufacturers to satisfy the mandate by placing a QR code on their labels. To get information, a consumer would scan the code with a smart phone, which would lead to a web page. The legislation was sponsored by farm-state lawmakers. If it becomes law, it would pre-empt states from enforcing their own GMO labeling mandates and block an Alaska law requiring labels for engineered salmon.
The measure passed by a vote of 63-30, with both Alaska senators voting no. It now goes to the House.
Liz Ruskin is the Washington, D.C., correspondent at Alaska Public Media. Reach her at lruskin@alaskapublic.org. Read more about Liz here.