Consumers increasingly want to know more about where their food comes from and how it is produced. I think H.R. 1599 satisfies that demand while also recognizing what we know about the safety of the foods that our farmers produce.
Opening Statement by Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin C. Peterson
Business Meeting to consider H.R.1599, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015
--As Prepared for Delivery--
“Thank you Mr. Chairman. I’m pleased that we are considering this important bill.
“In March, the Committee held a hearing to review mandatory biotechnology laws. At that hearing I expressed hope that we could find a workable solution that would alleviate the potential mess of 50 states with 50 different labeling schemes.
“H.R. 1599 addresses these concerns by establishing a voluntary, nationwide labeling program. The bill gives USDA significant involvement which, given their past successes with the organic program, simply makes sense. The organic industry, in fact, will have immediate access to the new labeling program.
“Consumers increasingly want to know more about where their food comes from and how it is produced. I think H.R. 1599 satisfies that demand while also recognizing what we know about the safety of the foods that our farmers produce.
“I appreciate the Chair’s efforts to make this a bipartisan bill and also the work we have done with the Energy and Commerce Committee to develop a good piece of legislation.
“I urge my colleagues to support the bill and yield back.”
