VT retailers say GMO label law unclear

Ray Bouffard, owner of Georgia Market just off Interstate 89 at Exit 18, is a worried man. Sitting in a small locker room for his employees he explains that he just spent $8,000 on new scales so he could efficiently label foods made in his deli that contain GMOs, or genetically modified organisms.  Vermont's first-in-the-nation law requiring labeling for genetically engineered foods goes into effect on Friday, and Bouffard believes the law might be bad for his business. The Vermont law requires manufacturers — and retailers who make food in their delis — to determine whether their products contain any genetically engineered ingredients, and if they do, label their packages accordingly.  "It's a complex scenario relative to what we have to do," Bouffard said. "The issue is not so much that the retailers are against this thing. We obviously want to support GMO labeling. The problem we have is we've gone it alone as the State of Vermont. This really should have been mandated federally."   Bouffard is not alone in his concerns and confusion. Jim Harrison, president of Vermont Retail and Grocer's Association, said 200 business owners participated in a GMO-labeling webinar he offered. "There are a lot of questions, especially when you get down to the retail level," Harrison said. "I bake a chocolate chip cookie, do I need to label it? How do I know what's in my sandwich? A lot of retailers assumed this law is for manufacturers not us. The reality is it's for retailers as well as manufacturers, so there's a lot of anxiety."  Harrison also said at least one manufacturer is asking store owners to do the labeling for them. Dannon sent its Vermont retailers a package with labels saying, "Our yogurt is not going to be labeled until August. Please label in the interim."  Harrison advised his members not to comply.