Pompeo, Butterfield Release Bipartisan Food Labeling Reform

Statement

Reps. Mike Pompeo and G. K. Butterfield introduced a bill today creating federal standards for food labeling in order to keep American-produced food safe, nutritious, and affordable. The bipartisan federal solution, named the "Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2014" (HR 4432) would protect consumers by eliminating confusion and advancing food safety.

The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2014 would establish a federal labeling standard for foods with genetically modified ingredients, giving sole authority to the Food and Drug Administration to require mandatory labeling on such foods if they are ever found to be unsafe or materially different from foods produced without GM ingredients.

"From the Kansas farmer's harvest to a Kansas family's table, our food supply is crucial to our economy, to our health, and to our way of life," said Rep. Mike Pompeo. "The Sunflower State has relied on technological advances in order to feed the world, and this bill would ensure our continued success in providing safe, affordable, and nutritious food."

"This bill has resounding support from the North Carolina Farm Bureau and the agriculture community at-large," said Rep. G. K. Butterfield. "It prevents a mishmash of labeling standards and allows farmers to continue to produce higher yields of healthy crops in smaller spaces with less water and fewer pesticides. If passed, this will be a big win for farmers nationwide."

The legislation takes an approach that is far better than a 50-state patchwork of GMO labeling laws that could mislead consumers, raise the price of groceries for American families and yet do nothing to advance food safety.

GMOs are safe and have a number of important benefits for people and our planet. GMO crops use less water and fewer pesticides and reduce the price of crops by 15-30 percent. They also help us feed a global population of 7 billion that will grow to 9 billion by 2050, especially providing assistance to those who suffer from hunger and malnutrition. Contrary to claims by activists, there is no scientific evidence that suggests foods that contain GMOs are anything but safe.

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