Dear Chairman Alden,

I write to you today to oppose the resolution presented to your committee entitled A Local Law to Establish Healthy Bottled Water Labeling Law. The language proposed in this resolution is inconsistent with existing FDA labeling requirements and therefore, would require unnecessary state labeling requirements on all bottle water companies who sell product in Suffolk County.

GMA is the world's largest association of food, beverage and consumer product companies. With U.S. sales of more than $460 billion, GMA members employ more than 2.5 million workers in all 50 states. GMA applies legal, scientific and political expertise from its member companies to vital food, nutrition and public policy issues affecting the industry. Led by a board of 42 Chief Executive Officers, GMA speaks for food and consumer product manufacturers at the state, federal and international levels on legislative and regulatory issues. The association also leads efforts to increase productivity, efficiency and growth in the food, beverage and consumer products industry.

The proposed resolution would require that all bottled water sold in Suffolk County have an appropriate label listing the organic and inorganic chemicals, radiological, biological and other contaminants in said bottled water. Currently, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the labeling of products on a national level. The labeling requirements set forth in this resolution are unnecessary and would inflict costly burdens upon both the bottlers and consumers.

For these reasons, GMA opposes the proposed "Bottle Water Law" and urges you to vote "NO" on this legislation. If you have any questions, please contact me at (617) 556-2929 or sconnelly@gmabrands.com.

Sincerely,

Susan M. Connelly
Manager, State Affairs

cc: Legislator Maxine Postal
Legislator Fred Towle
Legislator Michael D'Andre
Legislator Andrew Crecca