For Immediate Release

March 16, 2016

WASHINGTON– Today, the Senate voted to defeat the Deny Americans the Right to Know (DARK) Act, introduced by Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kans.). The vote was a major win for consumers. Gary Hirshberg, chairman of Just Label It and Stonyfield Farm, said the time is ripe for a true compromise that would satisfy the consumers’ right to know and can also work for industry.

Hirshberg said:

Simply put, Senator Roberts’ proposal didn’t deserve the support of the Senate. It would have implemented yet another unworkable and confusing voluntary labeling system. We are grateful for the leadership of our champions in the Senate, including Senators Stabenow, Merkley, Tester, Boxer and Leahy.

Now that the DARK Act been rejected by the Senate, I am optimistic that Congress can come together to find a real solution for consumers that is mandatory, national and gives consumers the information they want about the food they are eating. Any solution has to work for both consumers and for industry.

Consumers want a simple non-judgmental disclosure and despite the exaggerations on both sides of this debate, there is zero actual evidence anywhere in the world that this would increase food costs or create supply chain disruptions or even that consumers would view this as a warning. I am confident that once the Senate looks past the emotion at the real evidence, a simple and obvious solution can be achieved.