As detailed in our May 9, 2014 blog entitled, GMA To File Suit Against Vermont To Eliminate New GMO Label Law, the Grocery Manufacturers' Association (GMA) previously announced plans to sue the state of Vermont over the passage of its GMO Label Law. Well today June 12, 2014, the GMA kept their promise and filed suit in the United States District Court For The District of Vermont. The suit names as defendants William H. Sorrell as Attorney General of Vermont, Peter E. Shumlin as Governor of Vermont, Harry L. Chen as Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Health and James B. Reardon as Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Finance and Management.
The suit claims, among other things, that Vermont's GMO Label Law violates free speech and due process guaranteed by the first and fifth amendments. Vermont legislators maintain that they anticipated a legal challenge to the law and accordingly drafted it with great care to withstand any suit.
The outcome of this lawsuit will be watched closely, as same will significantly shape the future of the food industry in America. However, do not expect the first decision in this matter to be the last, as a lengthy appeals process is all but certain regardless of this court's decision. Perhaps our Judicial Branch will pick up the GMO ball intentionally dropped by our Executive Branch and properly dispose of it once and for all.
Long Island Lawyer
Paul A. Lauto, Esq.
www.liattorney.com