Trade groups react to proposal for federal uniform labeling
The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry will hold a meeting Feb. 25 to consider a proposal on genetically modified organisms (GMO) labeling. Senator Pat Roberts, chairman of the Agriculture Committee, recently introduced the Biotechnology Labeling Solutions proposal.
Trade groups have since released statements reacting to the proposal.
National Grocers Association, Peter Larkin, president and CEO:
“Independent supermarket operators interact with shoppers on a daily basis, and understand that they share a bond of trust with their customers to provide a variety of safe and quality food choices. NGA and its members believe consumers should have clear and consistent information to make informed buying decisions, which is why NGA supports a uniform and voluntary standard, regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), to ensure that GMO labeling of food products is consistent and transparent to consumers nationwide. We applaud Chairman Roberts for his efforts to implement a federal legislative solution.”
“Consumers, businesses and farmers all need uniform standards based on federal determinations for food label requirements for all foods including those made with genetically modified organisms (GMO). A patchwork of state food labeling laws will increase costs to consumers by increasing processing and packaging costs without any associated benefit.
Vermont’s mandatory labeling law for foods containing ingredients that have been genetically modified takes effect in July and unless Congress acts swiftly, families, farmers and food companies will face confusion and higher food costs in the market place – with low-income Americans being hit the hardest.”
Grocery Manufacturers Association, Pamela Bailey, president and CEO:
“This common-sense solution will provide consumers with more information about ingredients in their food and beverage products and prevent a patchwork of confusing and costly state labeling mandates. We urge senators to stand up for working families, farmers and food producers and give this proposal the bipartisan support that it deserves.
With Vermont’s mandatory labeling going into effect in July and other states considering their own laws, Congress must pass a national food labeling solution that offers farmers, families and food producers the certainty and access to the affordable and sustainable food supply they deserve.”
