The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, brought forward by Reps. Mike Pompeo of Kansas and G.K. Butterfield of North Carolina, bypasses a potentially conflicting patchwork of state laws and regulations governing the labeling of GMO and non-GMO foods, as well as multiple private sector non-GMO labeling standards, by establishing one common framework for labeling at the national level. Andy LaVigne, American Seed Trade Association president and CEO, released the following statement urging Congress to pass the bill.
“The American Seed Trade Association is pleased the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act establishes uniform rules and a national certification program for foods that have been produced with bioengineered ingredients,” LaVigne says. “A patchwork of mandatory state labeling regulations would only serve to mislead and confuse consumers and raise the price of groceries for American families.
“ASTA also appreciates the legislation would strengthen the authority of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on science-based labeling standards. The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act is a common sense solution and we urge swift consideration by the House of Representatives.”
The American Soybean Association (ASA) also supports the bill.
“We’ve been a part of the debate over biotechnology and GMOs for almost 20 years now, and what we’ve found is that the science on the safety of this technology is solid and unanimous,” says Wade Cowan, ASA president.
There was also positive reaction from the seed and agriculture industries on Twitter:
Thank you @RepNewhouse for cosponsoring @RepMikePompeo #SafeAndAccurate Food Labeling Act and standing up for science!
— I Am Biotech (@IAmBiotech) March 26, 2015
Thanks @Rep_DevinNunes for cosponsoring Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015! Creates fed standard for #GMO labels, keeps food safe.
— California Life Sciences (CLS) (@CALifeSciences) March 26, 2015
Great legislation, Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015, has been introduced. Thanks to @repdavidscott for being a lead cosponsor.
— ZapBots (@ZapBots) March 26, 2015
Thanks for protecting GMO foods @RepMikePompeo with the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act! http://t.co/zrB5l1C27t #FreeYourFridge
— Cathryn Wojcicki (@CornyCate) March 25, 2015
The #SafeandAccurate Food Labeling Act will bring clarity to consumers and ensure access to fact-based info. http://t.co/pTzQwwh6Ek
— NAWG (@wheatworld) March 25, 2015
RETWEET to show your support for the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act! http://t.co/HFlePo3OkB pic.twitter.com/Rmqio3mNUi
— Safe Affordable Food (@SafeAffordable) March 25, 2015
