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Senate Biotech Labeling Bill "Would Result In Consumer Confusion, Not Education"; 35 Major Trade Groups Urge Hill To Oppose Measure


WASHINGTON, DC, February 22, 2000 - Mandatory labeling of products developed through biotechnology "would result in consumer confusion, not consumer education," said 35 leading trade associations in letters sent to every member of the Senate.

The Grocery Manufacturers of America was among several major food, farm, retailer, and manufacturer groups that urged lawmakers to oppose a mandatory labeling bill being introduced by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA). Her bill is similar to one introduced in the House by Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH).

"We want to remind Senators that the Federal government has a science-based framework in place to regulate products developed through biotechnology, " said Karil Kochenderfer, GMA Director, International Trade and Environmental Affairs, in a separate statement.

The trade groups noted that the products of biotechnology are safe and have cleared regulatory hurdles at the Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Agriculture. "These products would not be allowed on the market if they had not met the highest U.S. safety standards," the letters said.

The legislation "would require labeling on all biotech food, food ingredients, dietary supplements, feed and products from animals fed biotech commodities. This would require segregation from farm to supermarket, and would result in higher food costs and lower farm prices."

"FDA already has a labeling policy in place that requires mandatory labeling if products of biotechnology differ from traditional products in terms of their composition, their nutritional content, or their allergenicity. We believe that mandating special labeling would imply to consumers that these products are somehow different or less safe than other products."

A copy of the letter is available on GMA's Web site at www.gmabrands.com.

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Based in Washington, D.C., the Grocery Manufacturers Association is the voice of more than 300 leading food, beverage and consumer product companies that sustain and enhance the quality of life for hundreds of millions of people in the United States and around the globe.

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