August 18, 2015
The US House Committee on Agriculture Committee has passed HR 1599 or the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015. The bill was introduced by US Representatives Mike Pompeo, R-KS, and G. K. Butterfield, D-NC.
The newly passed Act specifies the following:
- Creation of a uniform, national system governing the premarket review and labeling of genetically engineered foods
- Requirement to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct a safety review of all new plant varieties used for genetically engineered food before those foods are introduced into commerce.
- Provision to uphold FDA’s authority to specify special labeling if it believes it is necessary to protect health and safety
- Creation of a new legal framework, subject to FDA oversight, governing the use of label claims regarding either the absence of, or use of, genetically engineered food or food ingredients
- Provision to direct FDA to develop Federal definition for “natural” claims on product labels
- Allow those who wish to label their products as GMO-free to do so by through a USDA-accredited certification processThe bill passed on July 14, 2015.