FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Regulators Should Develop Criteria For Voluntary, Non-Biotech Food Claims;
GMA's Katic Addresses OECD Biotech Conference
Contact:
Scott Openshaw, Director, Communications, 202-295-3957
Brian Kennedy, Director, Communications, 202-639-5994
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND, March 1, 2000 - At an international conference on biotechnology, the Grocery Manufacturers of America called for regulators to issue guidelines for the voluntary labeling of non-biotech foods and ingredients to help assure claim accuracy.
Lisa Katic, GMA's Director of Scientific and Nutrition Policy, was one of just 30 individuals invited to formally speak at this week's forum in Edinburgh, Scotland, sponsored by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
"We support the right of manufacturers to make claims for their products, including claims about products made without the use of biotechnology," said GMA's Katic, a registered dietitian. "It is important that such claims do not mislead consumers about the composition, safety, or quality of the labeled product or falsely imply that other products are less safe. We are recommending that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) develop criteria for claim accuracy and substantiation in relation to voluntary labeling of non-biotech foods or food ingredients."
Katic said that calls by some activist groups for mandatory labeling of biotechnology ingredients "may have the unintended and unfortunate consequence of misleading consumers into thinking that biotech products are unsafe in some way or have different health effects. This could lead to the kind of consumer confusion that food labels are designed to avoid.
"The existing FDA labeling policy allows for voluntary labeling statements that are truthful and not misleading, providing a comprehensive framework for consumer protection and choice," said Katic.
"Manufacturers want to communicate information about the benefits of food biotechnology. There are sources of information that are far better and more comprehensive than food labels readily available to consumers. Through focus groups and telephone surveys, consumers have indicated, it would be better for food manufacturers, governments, health professionals and others to provide more details through brochures, websites and toll-free numbers." The Alliance for Better Foods, of which GMA is a member, has launched a Web site (www.betterfoods.org) to provide updated news and fact-based information on food biotechnology.
Katic's prepared remarks are available at www.gmabrands.com.
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The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) represents the world’s leading food, beverage and consumer products companies. The Association promotes sound public policy, champions initiatives that increase productivity and growth and helps ensure the safety and security of consumer packaged goods through scientific excellence. The GMA board of directors is comprised of chief executive officers from the Association’s member companies. The $2.1 trillion food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry employs 14 million workers, and contributes over $1 trillion in added value to the nation’s economy. For more information, visit the GMA Web site at www.gmaonline.org
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