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Cheers, Jeers for Food Labeling Bill

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Monday, July 27, 2015   

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – There are cheers and jeers for a bill approved by the U.S. House that prohibits states from requiring GMO food labeling.

Richard Eidlin, vice president of policy and campaigns with the American Sustainable Business Council, says the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act would not make food labels more accurate or our food system safer. He adds there is a reason it's often called the DARK Act.

"It will keep consumers unknowing and in the dark about what's in their food,” he maintains. “It's really disingenuous because it calls for voluntary labeling standards. So, it effectively accomplishes nothing."

The Illinois Manufacturers' Association is among those supporting the measure, and its vice president, Mark Denzler, says the bill will prevent a costly patchwork of state labeling mandates.

"If you have a manufacturer in the state of Illinois, they may have to label it differently depending on where it’s shipped,” he stresses. “One label for Vermont, a second label for Illinois, a third label for California, and so that's extremely difficult."

But Eidlin contends the problem would be solved if Congress would pass a bill requiring GMO labeling at the national level. He says it would prevent confusion, and create a level playing field for all food manufacturers.

Some in the industry contend any labeling requirement suggests genetically modified foods are not as safe as other foods. And Denzler argues GMOs are fundamental to the food supply.

"We think that consumers have plenty of information that's available to them,” he states. “This just ensures that the FDA is the proper branch to regulate food."

But Eidlin counters that there is no definitive science around the long-term safety of genetically engineered food, and says consumers want more information.

"Over 90 percent of the American public in survey after survey has indicated their interest in knowing what's in their food, which is why manufacturers are increasingly moving to do it on a voluntary basis," he says.

Vermont, Connecticut and Maine have already passed laws that mandate GMO labeling. Such laws are also being considered in several other states.





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