BOSTON (AP) - GMO labeling advocates in Massachusetts are hoping a first-in-the-nation law taking effect in Vermont will inspire lawmakers to pass similar legislation in the Bay State.

Vermont on Friday became the first state to require the labeling of food containing genetically modified organisms.

MASSPIRG and other groups that support GMO labeling say Connecticut and Maine have passed similar laws, but they include a trigger provision requiring Massachusetts or other Northeast states to pass similar bills before the laws can take effect.

The Genetic Engineering Transparency Food Labeling Act would require labeling on the packages of food products in Massachusetts that contain genetically engineered ingredients.

A bill in Congress calls for looser regulations.

Food producers argue science hasn’t found significant differences between foods that are genetically modified and those that are not.

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