On July 23, the US House of Representatives passed bill H.R. 1599, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 that would preempt state laws regulating the labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in foods. The vote was 275- 150. Representative, Mike Pompeo (R-KS) and G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), introduced the bill with the goal of creating a uniform, national system to govern the premarket review and labeling of genetically engineered foods (foods from or containing GMOs).
Key objectives of the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 are to:
- Require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct a safety review of all new plant varieties used for genetically engineered food before those foods could be introduced into commerce.
- Uphold FDA’s authority to specify special labeling if necessary to protect health and safety.
- Create a legal framework, subject to FDA oversight, regulating the use of label claims regarding the use or absence of genetically engineered food or food ingredients.
- Direct FDA to develop a Federal definition for “natural” claims on product labels
- Allow foods to be labeled as GMO-free, if desired, by participation in a USDA-accredited certification process (Similar to the USDA Organic Standard
ToxStrategies staff will continue monitor the progress of the Safe and Accurate Labeling Act of 2015 as it is of great importance to the food and animal food industries xenical over the counter.
You can learn more about the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 and track the status of the bill here. You can find out more about the Food and Consumer Products Practice at ToxStrategies by visiting here.