Smith Votes to Streamline Food Labeling Laws

Statement

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 1599, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, to create uniform national standards for voluntary labeling of non-genetically engineered food products.

"The world population now exceeds seven billion people, and this number is expected to swell to nine billion by 2050," Smith said. "Biotechnology, including genetically modified crops, allows farmers to produce higher yields while reducing the use of pesticides and conserving our natural resources, such as land and water.

"Despite the clear benefits of biotechnology, states have started adopting labeling laws with varying standards and definitions. To comply with a patchwork of state laws, farmers would have to implement costly crop segregation procedures, buy new equipment, and alter distribution chains. New costs would be passed onto consumers, with the biggest burdens falling on those who could afford it least. Today's legislation passed by the House creates a uniform, science-based labeling standard for food which empowers both consumers and agriculture producers."

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