AFFI Joins GMA Coalition In Support of GMO Labeling Solution

MCLEAN, Va.The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) is partnering with the Coalition for Safe Affordable Food, a newly-launched, broad-based coalition led by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), to advocate for a federal labeling solution for food products made with genetically modified ingredients (GMO).

AFFI and its coalition partners are seeking the enactment of federal legislation that creates a voluntary program, administered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to evaluate food labels that claim the presence, or absence, of GMOs.

AFFI is pleased to join the Coalition for Safe Affordable Food and looks forward to working with our coalition partners and lawmakers in support of a responsible and effective federal labeling program that prevents the creation of a complicated patchwork of state-based labeling rules that would increase, rather than reduce, consumer confusion," said Kraig R. Naasz, AFFI president and CEO. 

Consumer awareness GMOs continues to grow. Some consumers are wary of possible health and environmental concerns that may result from GMOs and GMO crops. Others simply feel they have the right to know what products are in the foods and beverages they consume.

However, strong opposition from the food industry has led to the defeat of two ballot initiatives in support of mandatory GMO labelingCalifornia's Proposition 37 in 2012 and Washington's initiative 522 in 2013. Opponents of the legislation fear individual state labeling mandates could cause confusion and increase costs for consumers.