Business Notebook: New GMO labeling legislation introduced

Legislation last week was introduced to establish a federal voluntary labeling standard for foods made with genetically modified organisms, according to a news release from the American Soybean Association, which approves of the legislation.

According to the release, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act would direct the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:

* To provide guidance for companies that want to label products for the presence or absence of GMOs;

* Make an FDA safety review of all new GMO traits mandatory before they are available for purchase;

* Warrant the FDA to mandate labels on any product shown to pose a health, safety or nutrition risk;

* Direct the FDA to define the term "natural" for use on food labels.

The bill also would establish the FDA's labeling guidance as the national standard and prevent states from enacting conflicting requirements, according to the release.

The bill's co-sponsors are Reps. Mike Pompeo, R-Kan., and G.K. Butterfield, D-N.C.

Missouri tax tips for an approaching deadline

The Missouri Department of Revenue in a news release gave the following advice regarding the upcoming tax deadline:

* File electronically, if possible. E-filing is easier, faster, more accurate and secure.

* Double check to make sure returns are signed, all math calculations are correct and all necessary forms are attached.

* File for an extension if you know you are not going to meet the April 15 deadline. However, filing for an extension does not extend the time to pay the taxes that are due. A 5 percent penalty and interest will apply on any amount owed that is not paid by the original due date of the return.

* Check out the department's website, dor.mo.gov, for answers to frequent taxpayer questions, tax assistance centers, Missouri's tax forms and for more information.

Business roundup

* Ciao, an Italian restaurant to be at 1650 N. Kingshighway, Suite 101, in Cape Girardeau, filed a business license application with Cape Girardeau City Hall.

* Don Carlos Authentic Mexican Restaurant and Taqueria, to be at 3049 William St., Suite 155, in Cape Girardeau, filed a business license application.

* Lattitudes, 137 N. Main St. in Cape Girardeau, will celebrate its opening with a ribbon-cutting at 10:30 a.m. April 21. The retail establishment will sell fair-trade goods.

n Pizza Hut, 1015 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau, will celebrate the opening of its new location with a ribbon-cutting at 10:45 a.m. April 22.

* First Midwest Bank will celebrate the groundbreaking of its new, permanent location at 1820 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau at 2 p.m. April 25.

* Big River Broadband today plans to launch its 37th tower, of 58 planned for Southeast Missouri, in Millersville.

* Bagger Dave's Legendary Burger Tavern, 2102 William St. in Cape Girardeau, has closed.

Cape Chamber to host Taste of the Chamber event

The Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce announced it will hold its Taste of the Chamber event in conjunction with Business After Hours on May 20.

On the third Tuesday of each month, the chamber's after-hours networking event takes place at various hospitality locations.

Though there are many establishments that could accommodate the event, because of high attendance, space limitations interfere with some establishments' dinner patrons, according to a news release from the chamber.

Taste of the Chamber will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Venue and will give dining establishments the chance to network with chamber members and showcase their business, according to the release.

For information, or to reserve booth spaces, call the chamber office at 335-3312.

Women ag group hosts Farm Day for students

The Scott County Women in Agriculture will host Farm Day for area third-grade students April 29.

The group expects more than 100 students from seven schools to participate in the day's events, which include a farm safety puppet show, soil erosion table, presentations on rice production, electrical safety and processing corn, according to a news release.

There will only be an afternoon session this year because of less school participation because of MAP testing at some schools, the group's release said.

Students from schools in Oran, Mo., Chaffee, Mo., Sikeston, Mo., and others will participate in Farm Day from noon to 2 p.m. at the Father Stevens Parish Center in New Hamburg, Mo.

ashedd@semissourian.com

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