The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) have issued a statement from Pamela G. Bailey, president and CEO, on the introduction of a national food labeling proposal by Senate Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.).
The statement reads: “We thank Senator Roberts for introducing this proposal and for his continued leadership to resolve an issue vitally important to people across the country. We also greatly appreciate the Chairman quickly scheduling a mark-up so that the full committee can consider this proposal in a timely manner.
This common-sense solution will provide consumers with more information about ingredients in their food and beverage products and prevent a patchwork of confusing and costly state labeling mandates. We urge senators to stand up for working families, farmers and food producers and give this proposal the bipartisan support that it deserves.
With Vermont’s mandatory labeling going into effect in July and other states considering their own laws, Congress must pass a national food labeling solution that offers farmers, families and food producers the certainty and access to the affordable and sustainable food supply they deserve.
Time is running out, and consumers will ultimately pay the price of delay and inaction, as multiple studies have found that state mandatory GMO labeling laws will increase a family’s annual grocery bills by hundreds of dollars.”
We look forward to working with Chairman Roberts and ranking minority member Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) on advancing bipartisan legislation quickly for a vote by the full Senate and then have the legislation voted on by the House as soon as possible.”
