The Natural Products Association (NPA) Board of Directors is calling for all foods containing genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) to be accurately labeled under a national uniform standard so consumers can make educated decisions about foods they purchase.
“This is really very simple—people have a right to know what’s in their food. A national standard is the best, most cost-effective and least-confusing way to deliver on this commitment for American consumers. To have hundreds of different state and local requirements would be counterproductive and expensive. As the nation’s largest association of the natural products industry, NPA is ready to play a leadership role in this effort," said NPA Executive Director and CEO John Shaw.
The debate over whether to label foods containing GMOs has been front and center since last year when California introduced Proposition 37, which would have required manufacturers of food and beverages—whether those foods are raw or processed—to disclose use of any GM ingredients in a “clear and conspicuous" manner. The measure was defeated by voters in November 2012, but at least 22 states, including Washington, Hawaii, New Mexico and Colorado, have expressed interest in similar legislation.
NPA’s guiding principles, drafted with NPA members under advisement of NPA staff and legal counsel, include:
NPA believes consumers have the right to be informed whether genetically modified components are in their foods. NPA supports and encourages the voluntary labeling on non-GMO foods. NPA believes that consideration of federal law promoting a uniform standard is warranted to avoid separate standards for GMO labeling at the state level. NPA opposes a private enforcement provision, which encourages abusive litigation, to impose compliance. NPA supports the FDA consistently reviewing the concept of bio-equivalency of genetically modified ingredients in light of the most recent scientific studies.
