Vermont passes genetic food bill, first in nation MONTPELIER, Vt. — Vermont lawmakers have passed the country’s first state bill requiring the labeling of genetically modified foods, underscoring a division between powerful lobbyists for the U.S. food industry and an American public that overwhelmingly says it approves of the idea. The Vermont House approved the measure Wednesday evening, about a week after the state Senate. Gov. Peter Shumlin said he plans to sign it. The requirements would take …