Remember all that noise not long ago that went on for years about labeling genetically engineered foods, aka GMOs? Four big states put the idea to voters, who all rejected it. Then little Vermont passed a single state law that might have become the national standard by default. But finally, Congress stepped in and turned…
Three new GMO spuds earn permission from USDA
Two companies have green lights from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for their non-browning potato varieties that have had their genes altered.
Calyxt, a company based in New Brighton, MN, got the go ahead for its cultivar known as “PPO_KO” and the J.R. Simplot Co. of Boise, ID, has permission for its “X17” and “Y9”…
Arctic Fuji apple gains approval despite anti-GMO opposition
A third genetically modified apple variety, the Arctic Fuji, has gained U.S. approval and the grower responsible for it plans next to seek approval for genetically modified Arctic Gala apples. 
Neal Carter founded Okanagen Speciality Fruits in 1996 in Summerland, British Columbia. The company has developed and gained approval for genetically…
Scientists tell Congress genetically engineered food is safe
The first genetically modified food to hit the market 22 years ago was a tomato that did not win any taste tests. But it did pass the food safety test, and genetically engineered food has ever since turned out to be as safe as any other. Now in 400-page report released Tuesday, the prestigious National…
Even if GMOs are safe, mandatory labeling is a good idea
In November 2015 the FDA approved the first genetically engineered salmon as fit for human consumption, paving the way for genetically modified organisms to become a regular part of the American diet. The “super salmon” designed by AquaBounty Technologies produces growth hormones year round rather than just during the summer and reaches adult size in …
Confessions of a former GMO virgin
Back in the late 1990s, I was a GMO virgin. I had never heard of GMOs — genetically modified organisms — nor had I ever had any contact with them, much less allowed any of them into my body. 
But that was soon to change. I attended a workshop about a new advance in agriculture…
Northeast U.S. Continues to be a Hotspot for GMO-Labeling Bills
Mark Lynas, the British environmentalist and author, recently wrote in the Washington Post that activists should not be more convincing than scientists when it comes to issues like GMO food. But in Massachusetts, activists from organizations such as the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group and MA Right to Know GMOs aren’t letting such concerns stop…
Online Survey: Floridians Concerned About Food Safety, GMO Foods
An October online survey of 524 adult residents of Florida found that respondents are concerned about food safety and genetically modified foods and believe they do a good job of keeping themselves safe from foodborne illnesses. However, they may be unclear about which foods, preparation techniques or cooking methods pose the highest risk. 
The survey,…