NGA Statement On US Senate Vote On National GMO Labeling Legislation

Arlington, VA – National Grocers Association (NGA) President and CEO Peter J. Larkin today issued the following statement upon the Senate’s failure to invoke cloture on a bill, offered by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) that would provide for permanent federal preemption of state labeling laws of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and foods made with genetically engineered (GE) ingredients.

Larkin said: “NGA appreciates Chairman Pat Roberts’ efforts to implement a federal legislative solution to address the patchwork of state labeling laws for foods made with genetically engineered ingredients. We believe that a uniform standard that preempts state labeling laws strikes the right legislative balance to provide consumers with access to information that is consistent and transparent.  While we are disappointed that the Senate was unable to invoke cloture on this important bill, we will continue to look to a path forward for a solution.”

About NGA: 

The National Grocers Association (NGA) is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector is accountable for close to one percent of the nation's overall economy and is responsible for generating $131 billion in sales, 944,000 jobs, $30 billion in wages, and $27 billion in taxes. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers, state grocers associations, as well as manufacturers and service suppliers. For more information about NGA, visit www.nationalgrocers.org.

Source: The National Grocers Association (NGA)