CFSAF Calls on Congress to Pass Uniform, National Food Labeling Standard

(Washington, D.C.) – The Coalition for Safe Affordable Food today sent a letter signed by 46 national organizations calling on Congress to act this year to pass a uniform, national labeling standard for foods made with genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The letter comes as agriculture and business groups continue to urge key House and Senate leaders to include a federal preemption of state food labeling laws in the omnibus appropriations bill to be voted on in the days ahead. The letter notes that state labeling mandates are inconsistent with both established labeling precedent and an overwhelming scientific consensus regarding the safety of GMOs.
Vermont’s labeling mandate goes into effect next July, and congressional action is the only thing that will prevent American families from facing higher grocery prices and more confusing food labels.
“It is imperative that Congress take action now to prevent a costly and confusing patchwork of state labeling laws from taking effect next year and spreading across the country. Congress must include language in the Omnibus Appropriations bill to ensure that food companies, farmers, ranchers, and consumers won’t face the significant increased costs of state GMO labeling laws,” the letter stated.
In July, the U.S. House passed a bill that created a uniform, national labeling standard with significant bipartisan support.  Both chambers of Congress have also overwhelmingly voted down mandatory GMO labeling proposals.