The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“THE SAFE AND ACCURATE FOOD LABELING ACT (H.R. 1599)” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1298 on Sept. 16, 2015.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
THE SAFE AND ACCURATE FOOD LABELING ACT (H.R. 1599)
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HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
of minnesota
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, every family should have access to the information they need to make informed choices about the food they consume. For many consumers, understanding what products are considered genetically modified organisms (GMO) is important when buying food for their families. Unfortunately, right now there is no standard federal definition for GMO. Instead, a patchwork of different definitions exists, leading to confusion and misinformation.
Consumers have the right to know how their food was produced and that begins with establishing a consistent, standard federal definition of GMO. I voted in favor of the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act (H.R. 1599) to provide families in Minnesota and across our country with the information they want. H.R. 1599 is not perfect, but it is an important first step to ensure families have safe and accurate labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
For years, I fought for a standard definition of ``gluten-free'' products. Additionally, last year I reaffirmed my support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) national voluntary certified
``organic'' labeling system when Congress passed the 2014 Farm Bill. This voluntary system ensures a mother buying bread for her family can be confident that it is ``organic'' whether she sees this label in Minnesota or Vermont. Similarly, H.R. 1599 calls on USDA to establish a national voluntary labeling system for ``GMO-free'' products. I hope this federal definition and voluntary labeling system can ultimately help us move towards nationwide mandatory labeling for GMOs.
Finally, H.R. 1599 instructs the Food and Drug Administration to create a definition for the word ``natural''. This rulemaking process, which will be fully transparent and open to the public, will help clarify one of the most confusing terms used in food marketing today.
The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act marks the beginning, not the endpoint, of much-needed policy discussion on the reliable consumer information we all deserve. The current status quo--which does not provide consumers any information about GMO products--is unacceptable for Minnesota families and farmers. Instead of settling for no standard definition for GMO, I voted to continue this conversation and ensure families have access to the information they want about their food.
Mr. Speaker, we all deserve accurate and safe food labels. As a nation, it is important that we continue this discussion and work to ensure that consumers have the information they need to make informed choices for themselves and their families.
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