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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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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.
Founded in 1908, GMA is an active, vocal advocate for its member companies and a trusted source of information about the industry and the products consumers rely on and enjoy every day. The association and its member companies are committed to meeting the needs of consumers through product innovation, responsible business practices and effective public policy solutions developed through a genuine partnership with policymakers and other stakeholders.
In keeping with its founding principles, GMA helps its members produce safe products through a strong and ongoing commitment to scientific research, testing and evaluation and to providing consumers with the products, tools and information they need to achieve a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. The food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry in the United States generates sales of $2.1 trillion annually, employs 14 million workers and contributes $1 trillion in added value to the economy every year.
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© 2010 Grocery Manufacturers Association 1350 I (eye) Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005 ph 202.639.5900 :: fx 202.639.5932 :: info@gmabrands.com :: privacy statement :: comments/feedback :: |