March 24, 2023 Less than a minute read

Missouri Chamber opposes mandate on food and pharmaceutical producers

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is opposing a new regulatory burden that some lawmakers want to place on the state’s producers.

HB 1169, sponsored by Rep. Holly Jones (R-Eureka), would require new labeling on products – including all food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products – that contain genetically modified material. Under the bill, any product that could possibly impact or introduce genetic material into consumers must be labeled with the words “Potential Gene Therapy Product.” This goes beyond all federal labeling standards.

In addition, companies that produce or sell these products would be required to disclose relevant reports and research upon request.

The Missouri Chamber is opposed to this anti-business, anti-science legislation that would likely have a chilling effect on economic development in the state.

“We believe folks being able to request certain research and knowledge about genetically modified material could require companies to disclose intellectual property that could impact their business and possibly give their competitors an advantage,” said Phillip Arnzen, director of legislative affairs for the Missouri Chamber.

For more information on this bill, contact Arnzen at parnzen@mochamber.com or 573-634-3511.


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