A bill was introduced on Wednesday that would invalidate efforts in different states to have mandatory labels for genetically modified foods (GMOs).
The legislation is called the "Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act", and was drafted by U.S. Rep. Mike Pompeo, according to Reuters. The bill looks to reject bills in almost two dozen states that require foods made with genetically engineered crops to be labeled accordingly.
Pompeo said some of the states' campaigns are created to scare consumers rather than inform them, and that the new bill is designed to set a standard for labeling.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that there is no material difference between crops engineered to resist weed-killers and traditional crops, The Hill reported.
GMOs are defended by people involved in major agriculture, biotech and food industries. They say GMOS let farmers produce greater crop yields and are important for keeping a supportable food supply for future generations.
"It has to date made food safer and more abundant," Pompeo said. "The next billion people need to be fed as well."
However, some studies state that GMO crops pose potential health problems for humans and animals, and that the crops are connected to environmental problems such as increasing weed resistance, Reuters reported.
The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act would be amended under the bill. Biotech crop developers would have to contact the FDA before bringing a new biotech seed to the market and must not receive any objection from the FDA. Pompeo said he expects hearings for the legislation this summer.
The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act is supported by a coalition of business groups led by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), The Hill reported.
Colin O'Neill, director of government affairs at the Center for Food Safety, said there are currently 66 proposals across 27 states that would require some type of mandatory labeling.
"It's clear that ... they're trying to do all they can in Congress to keep consumers in the dark," said O'Neill.
Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs at the Environmental Working Group, talked about the concerns consumers have about knowing if their food has GMOs in them, Reuters reported.
"The vast majority of Americans ... consistently tell pollsters that they want the right to know whether there are GE (genetically engineered) ingredients in their food," Faber said.
