News Summary: Whole Foods to require GMO labels

NEW LABEL: Whole Foods Market Inc. says products in its North American stores carrying genetically modified ingredients will be labeled as such by 2018.

FINE PRINT: The company, based in Austin, Texas, says organic foods will not have to carry the labels since they do not contain genetically modified ingredients by definition. Meats and dairy products will need to be labeled if the animals are fed GMO crops.

BIG PICTURE: The use of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, has been a growing issue in recent years with health advocates pushing for mandatory labeling even though the federal government and many scientists say the ingredients are safe.