Two Florida legislators, Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda (D-Tallahassee) and Sen. Jeremy Ring (D-Margate), are working to pass bills (HB 351 and SB 416) to label some foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Similar efforts died last year in the House and Senate agriculture committees.

House Bill 351 and Senate Bill 416 would require 25 raw fruits and vegetables to carry labels if they contain GMOs. Wheat, corn, cotton, papaya, rice, zucchini and squash would be among the targeted produce. Both bills would require the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to annually update the list to include any newly introduced GMO produce.

Additionally, products containing recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) to increase milk production in cows would also require mention on labels.

The new requirements would take effect on January 1, 2017.

To ask that Florida representatives vote YES on these bills and support mandatory food labeling, visit Tinyurl.com/FLA-GMO-Petition.