Legislation that would keep states from issuing mandatory labeling laws for foods that contain genetically modified organisms (GMO) passed the House of Representatives yesterday.
Called the Safe and Affordable Food Labeling Act of 2015, the legislation would create a federal standard for the voluntary labeling of foods with GMO ingredients.
The legislation is aimed at preventing a patchwork of mandatory state labeling laws which could cause confusion and higher costs for consumers.
“Precisely zero pieces of credible evidence have been presented that foods produced with biotechnology pose any risk to our health or safety,” Rep. Mike Pompeo, author of the bill, told The Hill. “We should not raise prices on consumers based on the wishes of a handful of activists.”
AFBF President Bob Stallman said the legislation supports farmer innovation that helps the environment and keeps food prices down for everyone.
“The American Farm Bureau Federation supports all farmers and ranchers and opposes anyone who stands in the way of safe, affordable food,” Stallman said. “Consumers benefit from variety in the marketplace and should be free to make choices based on facts. The facts are that many farmers are growing more food with fewer resources, reducing their environmental impact, and keeping down costs—all thanks to advances in biotechnology.”