As Food Labeling Bill Comes to Floor, Blue Dogs Urge Their Colleagues for a ‘Yes’ Vote

WASHINGTON -- As the House of Representatives takes up debate on H.R. 1599, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015, the Blue Dog Coalition announced their endorsement of the legislation.

"This bill addresses the wealth of misinformation and confusion surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Scientific studies have shown consistently that GMOs are safe and pose no risk to human health," said Blue Dog Co-Chair Kurt Schrader. "A patchwork of confusing state specific laws related to GMO labeling risks further confusion in the marketplace and rising food costs. However, we also understand that consumers have the right to know if food is GMO-free and this bill provides a uniform standard for those products through a USDA administered program. H.R. 1599 will ensure national uniformity for non-GE claims providing consistency in the marketplace, while ensuring consumer confidence in the integrity of the label."

As steadfast supporters of commonsense solutions that help businesses spur economic growth, the Blue Dogs look to their colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote for this legislation, as it would prevent the development of a patchwork of varying and confusing regulations from State and local governments, which would threaten to raise costs for manufacturers and consumers.