In recent years, a consumer's ability to know if the food he or she eats contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has become a growing issue of contention. Legislators in several states, including New York, have introduced legislation that would require foods containing GMOs to be labeled to indicate the presence of GMOs. Consumer and food advocates argue that a labeling requirement would provide consumers with a better understanding of the foods they buy. Retail, agricultural, and biotechnology advocates contend that such labeling requirements would be unnecessary, costly, and perhaps unlawful. This hearing seeks to solicit information regarding scientific research and data on the health and safety of GMOs in foods, federal and state policy related to foods containing GMOs, and the potential economic and legal implications of requiring labels on foods containing GMOs.

Oral testimony will be by invitation only and limited to five (5) minutes' duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in receiving written testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

JEFFREY DINOWITZ
Member of Assembly
Chair
Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection

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Persons invited to present testimony at the public hearing on the use of biotechnology in foods and its effects on consumers are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email, or fax it to: