Representatives Mike Pompeo (R-KS) and G.K. Butterfield (D-NC) have introduced what opponents are calling the “DARK Act” to Congress. This bio would block both the FDA and individual states from requiring labels on GMO and GE foods. And it would also supplant mandatory disclosure with voluntary labeling standards.
The Deny Americans the Right To Know (DARK) Act was debated in the House Agricultural Committee last week. Two committee members said that more diversity of opinion was needed on the bill before voting on it. The Act is called, ironically, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015.
Andrew Kimbrell, executive director of Center for Food Safety said in a statement, “This bill is simply not the solution Americans are looking for. An overwhelming majority of American consumers want to know if their food has been produced using genetic engineering. That is their right and they will not relent until Congress or FDA heed their call.”
According to polls, at least 90% of the American public wants to see labels on GE foods. In addition, studies have shown that adding these labels will not increase the cost of food, and that GE crops have greatly increased the amount of dangerous pesticides and herbicides applied to America’s farm lands.
And the bill would limit the authority of the FDA to require labeling on foods. Instead, it would let food companies label GE food as “natural”. Kimbrell continued, “this is a faulty and disingenuous attempt to assuage consumer concern without actually giving the people the information they want and deserve.”
More than 30 states introduced legislation to require labels on GE foods in the last two years. And 64 countries around the world require these labels and have not reported high food costs.
