New Conn. Law: We'll Label GMOs If Everyone Does

Connecticut passed the nation's first law requiring all genetically modified foods to be labeled yesterday—but it's going to need some peer pressure to implement it. Gov. Dannel Malloy said he'd only sign the bill if it included a provision dictating that it wouldn't take effect unless at least four other states passed similar laws, and lawmakers acquiesced, the New York Times reports. Those four have to include northeastern states with a combined population of at least 20 million, and at least one must border Connecticut directly.

Malloy reasons that holding hands with the state's regional neighbors will mitigate any potential competitive disadvantages for its businesses. More than 20 other states are considering passing labeling laws, including New York, Maine, and Vermont, so Connecticut's law could actually kick in eventually. One food safety advocate called it "an important first step" and "a reminder of where the tide is going on this issue." (More Connecticut stories.)