Reichert Votes to Establish National Labeling Standard for Non-Genetically Engineered Food

Washington, D.C. – Today, after the House passage of H.R. 1599, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) issued the following statement:

“Today, I voted for the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act and supported consumer choice. By establishing a national standard for labeling, it will help ensure that there is consistency across the country for consumers and producers. This is an important step to making sure consumers can make educated choices about the food they are eating and putting on the table for their families.”

The guidelines set out in H.R. 1599 establish a voluntary non-genetically engineered food certification program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The bill does not impact the authority of the Food and Drug Administration to require labels under certain circumstances and further directs the FDA to establish rules for defining “natural” foods. For additional information about the bill, please click here.