Snack World - November 2014 - 6

LETTER FROM SFA

MANN
SINGLETON

DEMPSEY

Let's Not Confuse
Labeling With Safety
A

s we see increased attention on what is in the foods we eat, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are at
the top of the list. Genetic modification goes back hundreds of years, when farmers crossed plant varieties to gain beneficial traits. More recently, we see technology providing safe and effective ways to ensure
we have enough food to feed a growing population. You may ask, are these products safe? The answer is a resounding "yes."
Recently, Italian scientists summarized 1,783 scientific studies to conclude that there is, in fact, consensus around
the safety of GMOs. They agreed with the World Health Organization, the American Medical Association and the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In fact in, FDA does not require GM foods to be labeled because it has found
no health risk associated with these foods or any material difference between GM and non-GM foods.
US farmers have been using GMOs for nearly two decades, and 70 to 80% of foods contain these ingredients. The
use of this technology ensures farmers can grow more food, fend off infestations and recover from drought faster.
GMO technology also helps keep food prices lower. Without it, the cost of key agricultural commodities would go
up 15 to 30%, and consumers would see these costs on their grocery bills.
The good news is, snack makers already voluntarily participate in two effective and uniform existing systems: the
USDA certified organic label and the Non-GMO Verified Project seal. Nonetheless, activists have put forward state
ballot initiatives and legislation to require additional special labels for products containing these GM ingredients. As
we go to press, voters in Oregon and Colorado are deciding whether their states will mandate labeling.
To be clear, our industry supports voluntary labeling and providing our consumers with options. Instead of being
confused by activists, consumers deserve consistent labeling information. Let's not confuse labeling with safety.
SFA actively supports the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2014, a House of Representatives bill that would
mandate a federal solution to voluntary GMO labeling and preempt the patchwork of state laws.
We encourage you to get involved by contacting your federal legislator and local media to encourage support
of this important legislation. Learn more and take action today by visiting www.CoaltionForSafeAffordableFood.org.
Casey Stengel once said, "Most games are lost, not won." Don't just be a commentator; get in the game, make the
call, send the email. This is a game the industry cannot afford to lose.

Mark Singleton
Chairman, Snack Food Association
Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Rudolph Foods, Inc.

Snack World

November 2014

www.sfa.org

Thomas Dempsey
President and CEO, Snack Food Association

http://www.CoaltionForSafeAffordablefood.org http://www.sfa.org

Snack World - November 2014

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