WPRO News and the Associated Press

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – A Rhode Island lawmaker says consumers deserve to know if they’re purchasing food containing genetically modified ingredients.

State Sen. Donna M. Nesselbush has introduced a bill to require any food containing genetically modified ingredients to bear a label disclosing that fact, beginning in 2017.

Nesselbush, a Democrat, says she has nothing personally against these foods, but people have a right to know if they’re eating them.

She says Rhode Island should join a growing coalition of states requiring labeling. A bill to require labelling didn’t gain traction last session.

Similar proposals have been opposed by biotechnology companies and agricultural groups, who say farming these crops is more sustainable. Business groups worry about the cost of labeling.

Nesselbush’s bill was referred to a committee. Similar legislation was filed in the House.