ARLINGTON, VA – Food Marketing Institute (FMI) President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin issued the following statement praising the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee for its bipartisan approval of legislation that would provide a necessary solution on biotech labeling standards.
Sarasin said after today’s markup, “The nation’s grocery stores commend Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) and the Senate Agriculture Committee for their mindful consideration of our industry’s commitment to providing clear criteria and definitions on food labeling. We appreciate Senator Joe Donnelly’s (D-IN) efforts to work toward a compromise, and we expect even more bipartisan support when the legislation reaches the Senate floor.”
“This week, FMI will host a fly-in with several of its board-level CEOs to urge for a uniform, national GMO labeling bill. As community and interstate business owners, the GMO issue warrants discussion with our elected officials to ensure they understand the complexities of the food supply chain and the challenges and confusion associated with a 50-state system of labeling laws.”
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Food Marketing Institute proudly advocates on behalf of the food retail industry. FMI’s U.S. members operate nearly 40,000 retail food stores and 25,000 pharmacies, representing a combined annual sales volume of almost $770 billion. Through programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations, FMI offers resources and provides valuable benefits to more than 1,225 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world. FMI membership covers the spectrum of diverse venues where food is sold, including single owner grocery stores, large multi-store supermarket chains and mixed retail stores. For more information, visit www.fmi.org and for information regarding the FMI foundation, visit www.fmifoundation.org.
Source: Food Marketing Institute
