Bill backs voluntary label identifying GMO-free foods

WASHINGTON – Companies could voluntarily put a government-approved label on their products informing consumers they are free of genetically modified ingredients, under a measure proposed by House lawmakers Wednesday.

The bill, introduced by Mike Pompeo, R-Kan., and G.K. Butterfield, D-N.C., would enable companies to use a government-backed label to tout their foods as GMO-free if they have gone through a certification process overseen by the Agriculture Department. The process would be similar to the popular "USDA organic" labeling initiative now used on packages nationwide.

Food manufacturers could still promote their products as lacking GMO ingredients, but the new label would be seen as a marketing tool that companies could use to promote their goods. The legislation also would ban states from adopting individual state labeling laws, and override any state laws that are in place.

"We think this provision not only creates a single national standard, but also creates that accountability and transparency so consumers know what they have in front of them," Pompeo told reporters. "Here, I think, we got a bill that is going to be broadly bipartisan and reflects science and facts."

In addition, the legislation would require the Food and Drug Administration to review the safety of a product before it enters the marketplace, putting into law a process that is currently voluntary but widely used by food companies. The agency would require mandatory labeling on food with genetically modified ingredients if they are found to be unsafe or materially different from those produced without biotech ingredients.

A similar bill was introduced by Pompeo last year, but it did not include the certification option by the USDA.

As much as 80 percent of packaged foods contain ingredients that have been genetically modified, according to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, which represents more than 300 food and beverage companies, including Kellogg and H.J. Heinz.

The labeling argument has pitted consumer groups against major food and agribusiness companies. Both sides agree on the need for labeling of genetically engineered foods, but they have failed to agree how, and whether it should be mandatory or voluntary.

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The food industry has said mandatory labeling implies to the public that the ingredients are in some way unsafe. They also argue that a state-by-state labeling framework is confusing and leads to higher costs that get passed on to shoppers. Vermont last year became the first state to require mandatory labeling, starting in 2016, but the law has been challenged in court by the Grocery Manufacturers Association and other groups.

"The entire purpose of food labeling is to provide consumers throughout our nation with clear and consistent information," Pamela Bailey, head of the association, said in backing the legislation introduced Wednesday. "Congress must pass a bipartisan bill this year to ensure Americans continue to have access to consistent FDA-approved and science-based standards for food labeling."

Opponents who support mandatory labeling contend consumers have a right to know what is in the foods they eat. They say that an overwhelming majority of Americans want to know if their food contains GMO ingredients, and that the legislation introduced Wednesday would not provide that.

"This (bill) is a faulty and disingenuous attempt to assuage consumer concern without actually giving the people the information they want and deserve," said Andrew Kimbrell, executive director at the Center for Food Safety. "The most effective way to provide consumers with the full universe of information about their food is through mandatory labeling, nothing less."

Pompeo said he is confident a companion bill will be introduced in the Senate soon. He said he is optimistic the legislation can be passed in Congress and sent to the White House this year.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Ia., said earlier this week he would back the Pompeo bill. "I think if the Pompeo bill passed the House it would have a good chance passing the Senate," he said.