AFFI Commends House for Passage of Responsible Food Labeling Legislation

MCLEAN, Va.--()--The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) today commended the U.S. House of Representatives for approving bipartisan legislation establishing a federal labeling standard for food and beverage products with genetically enhanced ingredients (GMOs).

Introduced by Reps. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.) and G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.), the “Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015” preempts state-level efforts to enact mandatory GMO labeling by empowering the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to create a uniform, national labeling program. The measure was approved by a vote of 275-150.

The legislation requires food makers to receive FDA certification in writing that their products have been deemed safe to enter the commercial market, and ensures consistency between the non-GMO certification processes established at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other voluntary labeling programs. The legislation also includes a federal labeling standard for the definition of “natural” food.

“AFFI applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for advancing legislation that benefits consumers and protects frozen food and beverage makers from burdensome and misguided state regulations,” said AFFI President and CEO Kraig Naasz. “AFFI urges the U.S. Senate to follow suit and pass legislation that thwarts the creation of a complicated patchwork of state-based labeling rules that would increase, rather than reduce, consumer confusion and food prices.”

The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) is the national trade association promoting and representing the interests of all segments of the frozen food and beverage industry. AFFI works to foster industry development and growth, and advocates before legislative and regulatory entities on the industry’s behalf. More information can be found at www.affi.org.

Contacts

American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI)
Joe Clayton, 703-821-0770

Release Summary

The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) today commended the U.S. House of Representatives for approving bipartisan legislation establishing a federal labeling standard for food and beverage products

Contacts

American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI)
Joe Clayton, 703-821-0770