Food-Labeling Bill Passes

In yet another example of our government railroading its constituents, the House passed the National Uniformity for Food Act, making the FDA the final authority for food all labeling.

The measure would nullify over 200 state laws governing the safety of meat, fish, milk, and a variety of other foods.

Consumer warnings about mercury in fish, arsenic in bottled water, lead in ceramic tableware and alcohol in candy are at jeopardy under the bill, said 39 state attorneys general in a letter to Congress last week.

State health officers and agriculture departments said the bill would compromise their power to inspect food plants, order the clean-up of unsafe conditions or ban contaminated foods. Two consumer groups also warned of the far reach of the bill.

The Grocery Manufacturers Association said critics misinterpreted the legislation.

"By providing consistent, science-based food safety standards and warning requirements, all consumers will be able to have confidence in the safety of the food supply and the information on food labels, regardless of where they live," said GMA President Manly Molpus.

The Senate must still approve the bill.

Steve - isn't it interesting that the Grocery Manufacturers Association is lauding the benefits of this bill? Of course they are. The food industry assembled more than half of the members of the House as co-sponsors to this bill. They also have the FDA in their back pocket evidenced with the shenanigans that lead up to the release of the new Food Pyramid.

The audacity of the House not to hold public hearings on the matter is shocking, given the outcry from consumer advocacy groups. Doesn't the FDA have enough problems already? If you want the FDA in complete control of your food safety, with no checks and balances by your state, then do nothing. Otherwise, contact your Senators and tell them to reject this bill.