ALBANY, NY — The New York State Assembly held a public hearing to discuss the use of biotechnology in foods and its effects on consumers on July 30. Specifically, the committee considered the prospect of labeling foods that contain genetically modified organisms (GMO).

Michael Hansen, senior scientist with Consumers Union, testified that labeling should be done in New York State, as it is in all of the countries in the European Union and many other developed countries as a safety measure in case problems arise such as the introduction of new allergens or plant toxins into the food supply.

Jeff Williams, manager of government telations for the New York Farm Bureau, said he was opposed to the labeling of GMO foods because, among other things, it would increase the cost of food, which poor families could not afford.