We need consistent federal labeling law

Currently, states across the nation are considering imposing labeling mandates for foods containing GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, creating a growing patchwork of labeling laws which threatens to harm interstate commerce, drive up the price of food and increase consumer confusion.

It would be particularly acute for Illinois, where farmers rely on emerging technologies to help feed our country and the world and our small farmers could not afford to comply with the onerous regulations that would come from mandatory labeling.

Recently, the bipartisan Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act was reintroduced in Congress which will create a national, science-based labeling standard for foods carrying a GMO-Free label.

This will ensure that labeling decisions are consistent in all 50 states. It will ensure that consumers have direct access to fact-based, accurate information about how their food is grown, which is just not possible through conflicting state-by-state labeling laws.

It will also guarantee that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) remains the authority on food safety and labeling standards in the United States.

GMOs have been proven safe by nearly 2,000 studies from the leading scientific bodies in the world, including the World Health Organization and the American Medical Association. I would urge members of our Illinois congressional delegation to support the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act and work to quickly pass this bill, which will aid consumers who are looking for more clarity in labeling.

Nick George, President

Midwest Food Processors Association