The Maine House of Representatives passed a bill on Tuesday (11th June) that, if successful, would require the labelling of seeds and foods that have been genetically modified or contain GM ingredients.

The vote ended in a landslide 141-4 victory for 'right to know' supporters, who maintain that consumers should be free to make an informed choice over what food to buy.

Responding to the vote, Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association president Jim Gerritsen warned that giant agribusinesses, having spent millions of dollars combating labelling laws in the United States, including over $45 million to oppose California's Proposition 37 last year, may attempt to sue states that introduce labelling legislation in a final bid to deter others from introducing new transparency laws. He said states should not fear this outcome, as they are promoting "factual, uncontroversial information which is valid for state interest."

Gerritsen added that decision makers and voters in Maine will "not be bullied" by large firms, stating, "It's an outrageous abuse of the democratic process. For out-of-state trade groups to threaten a state acting in the best interest of its people, that is abuse."

The measure will now pass to the Maine Senate. However, even if the law goes through, it will be subject to the same conditions as Connecticut's labelling law, which passed earlier this month. The conditions mean the law will not come into force until five US states (or a highly populous state with over 20 million residents), have brought in similar laws. This is to prevent any smaller state from having to 'go it alone'.  

Thirty-seven of the 50 US states are currently considering labelling laws. Washington State, where the battle over labelling has been fiercest since voting on California's ill-fated prop 37 in November 2012, will be the next to decide on the issue. Voting there will take place this November.