If It Smells Funny, Don't Eat It: An Example of the Controversy Surrounding Genetically Engineered Food Labeling Laws

摘要

Many states have made efforts to regulate the production and sale of genetically engineered (GE) foods. This has not only resulted in inconsistency among the states, but has also created controversy as each state approaches the issue without any detailed guidance from the federal government. As such, independent attempts to regulate GE foods may "smell funny"-in other words, they may look good, but are not quite right. This note examines one recent case in Vermont that highlights the struggles with enforceability and constitutionality of a state's attempt to regulate GE foods.