November 10, 1999 | from a press release
WASHINGTON - The introduction today by Representative Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) of a bill to require mandatory labeling of foods produced using agricultural biotechnology "is putting the cart before the horse - and politics ahead of sound science," according to the National Food Processors Association (NFPA).
"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has three public meetings scheduled within the next few weeks on food biotechnology," said Kelly Johnston, NFPA's Executive Vice President of Government Affairs and Communications.
"These stakeholder meetings will provide a forum for the scientific community, farmers, the food industry, and consumers to provide input on biotechnology and FDA's current labeling requirements. In introducing this legislation, Representative Kucinich apparently believes that Congress - rather than FDA, the scientific community, or the public - is best equipped to address food biotechnology and consumer concerns."
Johnston noted that NFPA has long supported FDA's current science-based biotech labeling regulations, which does not mandate that all food produced through agricultural biotechnology be labeled, but which does have stringent requirements that foods be labeled if the use of biotechnology alters the food materially, or introduces a known allergen into the product.
Johnston said that "In making sweeping changes to food labeling law, this bill would modify or overturn existing FDA labeling requirements. It is NFPA's position our nation's laws and regulations should be based on the best science available, rather than on political pressure from activists opposed to the use of this technology."
Johnston also pointed out that "The bill would exempt restaurants and other establishments that prepare food for immediate consumption. Given that current statistics indicate that nearly half of all food consumed in the United States comes from such establishments, it is unclear why Representative Kucinich does not feel such a requirement would be necessary across the board. Obviously, this bill is not about consumer protection; it is about denying American farmers and consumers the benefits this technology provides."
Johnston stated that "NFPA urges Representative Kucinich to allow FDA, the food industry, and consumers collectively to address the issue of food biotechnology. The heavy hand of Congress is not needed when the forum is already in place for a reasoned debate that will be in everyone's best interest. The American public has far more confidence in FDA's ability to make sound, scientific decisions on biotechnology than it does in the ability of politicians to do so."
