WASHINGTON (AP) — Food companies are making an aggressive year-end push to head off mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods.

The food industry is hoping to attach legislation making labeling voluntary to a massive spending bill that Republicans and Democrats are negotiating. If passed, companies would not be forced to disclose whether their products contain genetically modified organisms, or GMOs.

The House passed similar legislation earlier this year, but the Senate has not yet moved on a bill. Even so, food companies and farm groups say the action is necessary before Vermont becomes the first state to require the labels next summer.

The country's largest food companies say genetically modified foods are safe and that labels would be misleading.

Supporters of labeling say consumers have a right to know what's in their foods.

(Story by: Mary Clare Jalonick, The Associated Press)

 

More From WIBX 950