Free Speech -- 2016



Grocery Manufacturers Ass'n v. Sorrell   (D. Vt.)

Vermont labeling law for genetically engineered products

The NAM filed a lawsuit challenging Vermont’s genetically modified organism labeling law as unconstitutional. Vermont required labels on products that contain genetically engineered plants and prohibited such products from being labeled as natural. This litigation is important because labeling food with these disclosures would stigmatize certain foods and require that manufacturers implement expensive separate labeling systems, stock-keeping units and Vermont-specific distribution chains. The NAM’s brief argued that 1) compelled speech violates the First Amendment guarantee of freedom to speak and freedom to not speak; 2) any such requirement must accomplish a compelling government interest and be the least restrictive means possible and 3) the Vermont government did not meet these requirements. The case became moot after President Obama signed the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, which preempted the state law.


Related Documents:
Reply Brief in Support of Motion for Prelim. Injunction  (December 5, 2014)
NAM Opposition to Motion to Dismiss  (September 11, 2014)
Memo in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction  (September 11, 2014)
NAM Complaint  (June 12, 2014)