The American Farm Bureau Federation voiced support on April 9 for legislation in Congress that would give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authority on the use and labeling of foods containing genetically modified ingredients.
“Our farmers and ranchers are encouraged by the bipartisan leadership of Reps. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.), G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jim Matheson (D-Utah) and Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.) for introducing H.R. 4432, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “This measure will make it clear that the Food and Drug Administration should be the nation’s foremost authority on the use and labeling of foods containing genetically modified ingredients.”
Farm Bureau believes affirming the FDA’s role will assure consumers about GMO safety and reduce confusion prompted by various state labeling initiatives, Stallman said.
“The GMO labeling ballot initiatives and legislative efforts that many state lawmakers and voters are facing are geared toward making people wrongly fear what they’re eating and feeding their children. They undermine the public’s understanding of the many benefits of biotechnology in feeding a growing population— and keeping costs down. With the introduction of this legislation and the leadership of the bill’s sponsors, Farm Bureau looks forward to a national-level discussion that will affirm the FDA’s role in assuring consumers about GMO safety and reduce the confusion that would result from a patchwork of state labeling initiatives.”
Stallman said the AFBF supports all agricultural production practices “and commonsense, science-based regulations” that ensure consumers have access to safe and healthy foods.
“The diversity of innovative options farmers and ranchers have in regard to how they grow our food is one of the reasons U.S. consumers enjoy a wide variety of foods that are also among the most affordable in the world.”
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