Nestle USA, General Mills, Inc., Campbell Soup Co. and ConAgra Foods, Inc. are among major food companies applauding a U.S. Senate committee’s agreement on June 23 to establish a national disclosure standard for bioengineered foods.

A bill would give food and beverage manufacturers options in disclosing whether a product contains bioengineered ingredients/genetically modified organisms (G.M.O.). The form of a disclosure may be a “text, symbol, or electronic or digital link,” according to the bill. Companies would have the option of using quick-response (Q.R.) codes, phone numbers or web sites instead of on-pack labeling.

Many companies issued statements, including ConAgra Foods, Omaha, which reiterated its support: “ConAgra Foods is supportive of the bipartisan Senate bill calling for a uniform, national disclosure standard for foods containing genetically engineered ingredients. We stand behind the health and safety of all of our products, including those with genetically engineered ingredients, and believe consumers should be informed about the ingredients in their food.”

While reaction to this agreement has been split amongst the public, senators on both sides of the aisle have said that this is a compromise that will work for consumers and retailers alike.