WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 – Sen. Bernie Sanders issued the following statement ahead of the Senate agriculture committee’s hearing on legislation introduced by Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) that would block Vermont and other states from requiring labels on genetically modified foods:

“All over this country, people are becoming more conscious about the food they eat and the food they serve their kids. When parents go to the store and purchase food for their children, they have a right to know what they are feeding them.

“The overwhelming majority of Americans favor GMO labeling. We cannot allow the interests of Monsanto and other multi-national food industry corporations to prevail. 

“I am very proud that Vermont took the lead nationally to make sure people know what is in the food they eat. Vermont and other states must be allowed to label GMOs.”