AUGUSTA — Lawmakers don’t want to wait for other states to take action before Maine’s law requiring the labeling of genetically modified food to kick in.

The Legislature approved a bill in 2013 that would require food retailers to put special labels on products that contain genetically modified ingredients. But the law doesn’t go into effect until at least four other Northeastern states pass similar ones.

A Maine law requiring the labeling of genetically modified foods doesn’t take effect until at least four other states in the Northeast pass a similar law. Associated Press File Photo

Connecticut and Vermont have approved GMO labeling laws, but Maine is still waiting for Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Democratic Rep. Michelle Dunphy has introduced a bill to remove the requirement that similar laws must be passed elsewhere before Maine’s law goes into effect.

The bill also being backed by some Republicans.

Republican Rep. Deb Sanderson says the requirement essentially “holds Maine hostage” until other states act.

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