U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield (KY-01joined this week with Representatives Mike Pompeo (KS-04), and G.K. Butterfield (NC-01) in introducing legislation, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, to establish a federal standard for labeling of food products made with genetically modified ingredients (GMOs). 

This bipartisan legislation would establish a federal labeling standard for genetically modified ingredients and affirms the sole authority to the Food and Drug Administration to require mandatory labeling on such food if they are ever found to be unsafe. The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act protects consumers by eliminating confusion caused by a 50-state patchwork of GMO labeling laws that would increase food prices and establish burdensome new supply chain requirements for farmers.

This bill is supported by the Coalition for Safe Affordable Food which includes the American Farm Bureau Federation,American Fruit and Vegetable Processors and Growers Coalition, American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, International Dairy Foods Association and more than thirty other trade organizations. 

“This much needed legislation will help ensure the safety of our food supply purchased by Kentuckians.  This bill is also necessary to ensure that farmers are able to continue to provide abundant and affordable food on our tables. I am pleased to join Representatives Pompeo and Butterfield in this effort and I would also like to thank the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation and Kentucky Corn Growers Association for supporting this legislation,” said Whitfield.