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SB 124

Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics - Gene Structure- and Function-Modifying Products - Labeling

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joanne Benson

Maryland would require warning labels on foods, drugs, and cosmetics containing gene-modifying ingredients to increase consumer transparency about biotechnology products.

First Reading Finance
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 124

Legislative bill overview

SB 124 would require products containing gene structure- and function-modifying ingredients to carry warning labels disclosing these components to consumers. The bill establishes Maryland's labeling requirements for foods, drugs, and cosmetics containing genetic modification technologies, falling under the state's purview over food and drug regulation.

Why is this important

This bill addresses consumer transparency regarding emerging biotechnology in everyday products. As gene-editing technologies (like CRISPR) become more prevalent in food production and cosmetics, consumers increasingly want information about what they're purchasing, which could influence market demand and corporate product development strategies.

Potential points of contention

  • Scientific definition challenges: "Gene structure- and function-modifying" is broad and potentially unclear—it could capture traditional genetic modification, newer gene-editing techniques, or even products derived from genetically modified organisms without direct modification themselves
  • Federal preemption concerns: FDA regulates food and drug labeling at the federal level; a state-only mandate could create conflicts with federal authority and impose compliance costs on manufacturers operating across state lines
  • Economic and market impacts: Mandatory labeling of gene-modified products may stigmatize emerging biotechnologies used to improve crop yields, disease resistance, and nutritional value, potentially disadvantaging Maryland-based biotech companies and farmers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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