Vt. House committee approves GMO labeling law

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) -- The Vermont House Judiciary Committee has approved a bill requiring labeling of food products containing genetically modified organisms.

But the measure isn't expected to pass into law this year, because there isn't enough time before the end of the session — scheduled this weekend — to get the bill through the Senate.

If it passes the House, as expected, the Senate will likely take it up in January.

Critics are warning that if Vermont enacts such a law, it will attract a lawsuit from the food or biotech industries.

Rep. William Lippert, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, told his colleagues on Tuesday that the public interest in labeling is worth that risk.