NATIONAL GMO LABELING BILL AND AN IMPORTANT POLL

Lindsay Mitchell

Mar 31, 2015  |  Today's News

Last week, Representative Pompeo (R-KS) and Representative Butterfield (D-NC) re-introduced the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act.  This bill addresses the state by state GMO labeling initiatives we’ve seen plague the country among other food labeling concerns. Even Illinois has seen GMO labeling activity within the state.

The legislation is supported by the Coalition for Safe Affordable Food, of which NCGA is a member.

Specifically, the bill would:

 
  1. Require the FDA to conduct a mandatory safety review of all new GMO traits before they are introduced into commerce. This was already happening, but on a voluntary basis.
  2. Help consumers make sense of GMO labeling claims and their choices in the marketplace by creating a GMO-Free labeling program, similar to the Certified Organic program managed by the USDA.
  3. Define the term “natural” so that consumers can understand why foods are labeled as such.
  4. Eliminate the possibility a 50-state patchwork of GMO safety and labeling laws which would disrupt interstate commerce and increase food prices. 

Each of these is an important component to helping consumers understand what is in their food, protecting commerce, and lowering food prices. But some are still not on the same page.

This article from the Washington Post shows that some – even in our largest cities – are coming to believe the science and no longer fear GMOs.

 

While others frame questions to mislead American citizens that GMOs are dangerous and require labeling.

Take the time to go comment on this poll.  Let’s balance the discussion and support the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act. 

Consumers DO have a right to know, but a right to know the truth, not misleading marketing hype.