Food labeling must be more consistent

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) play a critical role in our food supply, but without a federal labeling standard, states will be allowed to pursue their own rules, creating a huge burden for Illinois food manufacturers responsible for navigating individual state-by-state regulations in their production process. These production modification costs will trickle down to our grocery stores and ultimately the consumer.

We can eliminate this unnecessary threat if food-labeling requirements are established at the federal level and approved by the Food & Drug Administration to ensure consistency among states. HR 4432, The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, would eliminate a confusing patchwork of various state standards, streamlining regulation and providing relief to American families in the checkout line.

GMOs are too fundamental to our food supply and our economy to ignore, and cumbersome state-by-state rule making is not the solution for this important national issue. We encourage legislation to help build a national framework for the future of food safety and labeling in the United States.

Mark Denzler

Vice president and COO

Illinois Manufacturers' Association