The National Association of Wheat Growers welcomes the introduction of legislation that would establish a voluntary federal labeling standard for foods and beverages made with genetically modified ingredients, also known as GMOs.

The proposed Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, sponsored by Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.) and G.K Butterfield (D-N.C.), would authorize the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to require safety reviews of all GMO traits, as well as mandatory labels on such foods if they are found to be unsafe or materially different from foods produced without GM ingredients. In addition, the bill would eliminate confusion and uncertainty of a 50-state patchwork of GMO safety and labeling laws by affirming the FDA as the nation’s authority for the use and labeling of genetically modified food ingredients.

“NAWG is pleased with the introduction of this bill,” said NAWG president, Paul Penner, a wheat farmer from Hillsboro, Kan. “It will provide a federal solution on GMO labeling and will bolster consumer confidence in the safety of American food by affirming the FDA’s sole authority in food safety and labeling decisions.”

For more information contact Kayla Bullerman at 202-547-7800 ext. 2, kbullerman@wheatworld.org or visit www.CFSAF.org.