Food Retail Industry Praises Senate Committee Action on National GMO Labeling Legislation

MARCH 1, 2016 – ARLINGTON, VA – Food Marketing Institute (FMI) President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin issued the following statement praising the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee for its bipartisan approval of legislation that would provide a necessary solution on biotech labeling standards.

Sarasin said after today’s markup, “The nation’s grocery stores commend Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) and the Senate Agriculture Committee for their mindful consideration of our industry’s commitment to providing clear criteria and definitions on food labeling. We appreciate Senator Joe Donnelly’s (D-IN) efforts to work toward a compromise, and we expect even more bipartisan support when the legislation reaches the Senate floor.”

“This week, FMI will host a fly-in with several of its board-level CEOs to urge for a uniform, national GMO labeling bill. As community and interstate business owners, the GMO issue warrants discussion with our elected officials to ensure they understand the complexities of the food supply chain and the challenges and confusion associated with a 50-state system of labeling laws."

About FMI

As the food industry association, FMI works with and on behalf of the entire industry to advance a safer, healthier and more efficient consumer food supply chain. FMI brings together a wide range of members across the value chain — from retailers that sell to consumers, to producers that supply food and other products, as well as the wide variety of companies providing critical services — to amplify the collective work of the industry. www.FMI.org