Maine could be first state to require warning labels on genetically eng'rd lobsters & other seafood

Recently New England's marine biotech community has been trumpeting genetic engineering of Seafood. NOAA recently reported on  experiments by Connecticut Seagrant  creating transgenic fish and crustaceans

On April 24, 2013 the Maine legislature's Marine Resources committee heard  LD 898 An Act To Require Labeling of Genetically Engineered Marine Organisms. (Listen to bill testimony below) Sponsored by Rep Ralph Chapman, LD 898's summary reads:

"This bill requires clear and conspicuous labeling of marine organisms offered for sale that are produced using genetic engineering. Failure to provide the required labeling is a civil violation subject to enforcement by the Commissioner of Marine Resources."

LD 898 is a less known companion to LD 718 An Act To Protect Maine Food Consumers' Right To Know about Genetically Engineered Food and Seed Stock that was heard on April 23rd by the Maine legislature's Agriculture Conservation and Forestry Committee. But it deserves a great deal of attention from the same people that support LD 718. If they do, the committee  will give it some serious attention. Promoting this bill nationwide may be helpful.

Here is the bill and its introduction and testimony from the 4/24/13 public hearing

LD 898 An Act To Require Labeling of Genetically Engineered Marine Organisms  Sponsored by Rep Ralph Chapman  In particular labeling of retail sold GE'd seafood species

TESTIMONY ON LD 898

1. Introduction of LD898  by Representative Ralph Chapman 15min 40 sec

2. Q&A of Representative Ralph Chapman 8min 45sec

Bill Supporters Testimony
3. Hillary Lister, 3min 28sec
4.Unidentified bill supporter 2min 30sec

5. Paul T. McCarrier 1min 8sec

Bill Opponent Testimony

6. Dierdre Gilbert, DMR  2min 5sec

7. Close of hearing on LD 898  23seconds