Knowing What You Eat

Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, is sacred to the fools on the hill. This Thursday, March 8, there will be a vote on HB 4167. The proposed legislation would inhibit the ability of states to regulate food warning labels.

Such a federal law could be misleading or pose a hazard to consumers, who are now protected by the kind of individual state regulations that, in Michigan, for example, require a warning about possible allergic reactions to sulfites in bulk food. Or an Ohio regulation that forbids the use of the word "honey" on a food label unless the product actually contains honey. ...

Such labels and warnings on store shelves and in advertising would have to gain approval of federal regulators, and might be rejected, under the disingenuously titled "National Uniformity for Food Act," sponsored by U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, Republican of Michigan.

...Opponents contend that the real motive behind the proposal, being pushed by the food industry, is to dilute California food-labeling regulations, which were approved by voters in a ballot initiative back in 1986 and are more stringent than federal rules.

Email your reps here, or call 888-818-6641, 888-355-3588 or 800-426-8073. Another great resource is the Organic Consumers Association. They have an action item on this as well.



Tags: food labels, HB 4167, Mike Rogers, organic standards, food safety