Zinke Votes to Strengthen Food Labeling Laws, MT Ag Applauds
Today Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke voted for the bipartisan Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act (H.R. 1599) which would create a federal labeling standard to certify genetically engineered food. This will allow consumers to shop with confidence across our country and save farmers, ranchers and food packagers time and money by complying with one standard rather than a patchwork of regulations that differ from state-to-state. The program would be administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and would codify Food and Drug Administration (FDA) current practice regarding for labeling requirements of genetically engineered plant ingredients in food.
"The farmer and rancher members of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation sincerely appreciate Representative Zinke's vote in favor of HR 1599," stated Nicole Rolf, Director of National Affairs for the Montana Farm Bureau Federation. "The establishment of these national standards will allow farmers to continue using technology that works well on their farms, benefits the environment and enables them to produce safe, affordable and nutritious food, all while giving consumers the accurate information they desire when making their food choices."
"Montanans have a right to know what is in the food they are eating and preparing for their families, which is exactly why I voted for the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act. With more folks than ever looking at the labels on their favorite foods, this law makes the important step of creating a national standard for labeling foods and allows consumers to shop with confidence," said Rep Zinke. "The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act will also protect farmers, ranchers and others in the food industry from costly and duplicative regulations levied by states and allow Montana producers to better compete nationally."
H.R. 1599 is supported by the Montana Farm Bureau Federation, Montana Stockgrowers Montana Agricultural Business Association, Montana Beverage Association, Montana Grain Growers Association, and Montana-Dakota Beet Growers (MT/ND).
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