IDFA and GMA Welcome New Labeling Rules on Genetically Engineered Foods in US

02 Mar 2016 --- The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) have welcomed new rules in the US establishing national labeling standards for food made with engineered ingredients.

The new rules in the US have been passed through a bill with a 14 to six majority voting in favour of them.

By passing the bill, it is hoped that increased food prices will be prevented as well as bringing uniformity and clarity to labeling rules across the US.

The bill will also make it easier for companies to disclose information about genetic engineered ingredients in food and create an education initiative on the safety of genetically engineered ingredients.

J David Carlin, IDFA senior vice president for legislative affairs and economic policy, said: “IDFA thanks the Republican and Democratic members of the Committee who voted in favor of the bill and commends them for recognizing the importance of this bill to American consumers, as well as to the nation's food suppliers.”

"By putting an immediate stop to the patchwork of state-based labeling requirements for foods with genetically modified, or GMO, ingredients, the bill will protect consumers from higher food costs and prevent food manufacturers from having to contend with inconsistent and costly regulations."

The IDFA represents dairy manufacturing and suppliers in the US with a membership of 550 companies.

The GMA said: “This strong and bipartisan vote is a victory for working families, farmers, and food companies. This legislation ensures that consumers get consistent information about food and beverage ingredients, prevents a patchwork of confusing and costly state labeling mandates, and provides the same labeling rules to shoppers across the country.”

“We thank Senators Roberts for his leadership to find a common-sense solution that now goes to the full Senate with bipartisan momentum. It is critically important that the full Senate pass this legislation as quickly as possible and for the bill to be voted on by the House. Vermont’s mandatory labeling law goes into effect on July 1, and this law could increase food costs for families across the nation by an average of $1,050 a year.

“Food and beverage companies agree on the importance of making available to our customers information they desire about the products they buy to enable them to make informed choices.”

“That’s why we created the innovative SmartLabel technology initiative to put detailed information about thousands of products right at the fingertips of consumers. SmartLabel doesn’t replace the package label; it complements that label by leveraging digital technology. It will enable consumers to get all the information they want to know about what they are purchasing – and when they want to know it.”

The GMA represents the world’s food and beverage companies.