HB 13-1192 Summary

• Defines "genetically engineered" as organisms and biological materials altered at the molecular or cellular level through means not possible in nature, including recombinant DNA/RNA techniques, cell fusion, gene deletion and doubling, and introduction of foreign genes.

• Requires persons selling, distributing, or offering genetically engineered food for sale in Colorado to label it with: "This product contains genetically engineered material or was produced with genetically engineered material" if they know the food contains or was produced with genetically engineered material.

• Exempts from labeling requirements: food with less than one percent genetically engineered material, chewing gum, alcoholic beverages, physician-prescribed medically necessary food, certified organic food, restaurant food prepared for immediate consumption, processed food for immediate consumption not packaged for retail sale, and food produced under the Colorado Cottage Foods Act.

• Authorizes the Department of Public Health and Environment to promulgate rules for administration and enforcement, including establishing testing methodology to determine the presence of genetically engineered material.

• Includes a safety clause declaring the act necessary for immediate preservation of public peace, health, and safety.