Should Genetically Modified Fish Be Labeled? (H.R. 393)

What is H.R. 393?

(Updated December 6, 2018)

This bill seeks to raise awareness of genetic modification in fish by banning the sale of genetically modified fish unless it comes with a label that marks it as such. Companies that fail to comply could face penalties for misbranding under this legislation. 

This is the fourth version of this bill that sponsoring Rep. Don Young (R-AK) has introduced into Congress. The last version of the bill, H.R. 584, failed to get a vote in the House, despite bipartisan support.

Argument in favor

Some studies have linked GMO food with diseases and destruction to the environment. People should be aware of this when buying their food.

Argument opposed

The dangers of GMOs are greatly overstated. Labeling genetically modified fish could create an unfair stigma against them.

Impact

People who eat fish, fish (in natural marine environments and in fish farms), producers of genetically modified fish, grocery stores, the FDA, and

Cost of H.R. 393

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In Depth:

Young is introducing this bill alongside H.R. 394, requiring extra safety measures to prevent genetically modified salmon from escaping their enclosures.

This bill amends Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the bill that gave the FDA power to regulate food production in the 30s.

Of Note: 

People against genetically modified organisms in their food (GMOs) claim that consuming GMOs can cause a range of health problems including allergies, fertility problem and even infant mortality.

According to a recent poll by the Pew Research Center, a majority of scientists think that eating GMO foods is safe. The FDA has been saying genetically modified salmon are safe to eat since 2012. 

GMO labeling has been mandatory in the European Union since 1997. GMO label requirements have appeared on the ballot at the state level in the U.S., but none have passed. The fall of 2014 saw almost $30 million pour into the state of Oregon in a ballot contest that anti-labeling supporters narrowly won.

Media:

Sponsoring Rep. Don Young (R-AK) Press Release

Law 360

Vox (Context)