NPA: Calls for National Standard on GMO Labelling

Washington / DC. (npa) The Natural Products Association (NPA) Board of Directors calls for all foods containing genetically-modified organisms to be accurately labelled under a national uniform standard so consumers can make educated decisions about foods they purchase. NPA is the nation´s largest association for natural products, representing over 1’900 members accounting for more than 10’000 locations of retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of natural products.

«This is really very simple – people have a right to know what´s in their food. A national standard is the best, most cost-effective and least-confusing way to deliver on this commitment for American consumers. To have hundreds of different state and local requirements would be counterproductive and expensive. As the nation´s largest association of the natural products industry, NPA is ready to play a leadership role in this effort», said NPA Executive Director and CEO John Shaw.

Polls show Americans overwhelmingly support GMO labelling. An ABCNews.com survey conducted last summer found that 93 percent of Americans say the federal government should require labels on food that indicate whether it has been genetically modified or «bio-engineered». At least 22 states are considering legislation requiring GMO labelling for foods.

NPA´s guiding principles were drafted with NPA members under advisement of NPA staff and legal counsel to ensure they will guide the association for years to come. The principles adopted by the board include:

• NPA believes consumers have the right to be informed whether genetically modified components are in their foods.
• NPA supports and encourages the voluntary labelling on non-GMO foods.
• NPA believes that consideration of federal law promoting a uniform standard is warranted to avoid separate standards for GMO labelling at the state level.
• NPA opposes a private enforcement provision, which encourages abusive litigation, to impose compliance.
• NPA supports the FDA consistently reviewing the concept of bio-equivalency of genetically modified ingredients in light of the most recent scientific studies.