The United States House of Representatives passes the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act by a 275-150 vote, establishing a uniform, science-based, voluntary food labeling standard. The result was applauded by numerous agriculture organizations, including the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA).
“The American Seed Trade Association is pleased to be among more than 400 organizations representing all parts of the food chain in applauding the swift consideration and passage of the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act by the House of Representatives,” says ASTA president Andy Lavigne. “We are glad to see the House of Representatives recognize that genetic engineering is an important tool for American agriculture.”
The legislation ensures a uniform approach to food labeling which will provide valuable information to American consumers without unnecessarily increasing grocery store prices, ASTA notes. A potential patchwork of state food labeling regulations would be misleading and costly to comply with and enforce.
“ASTA members have actively engaged their representatives in the House and we encourage prompt Senate action,” Lavigne says.
