The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health has scheduled a hearing this week on “A National Framework for the Review and Labeling of Biotechnology in Food.”

Subcommittee members will discuss the role biotechnology plays on our nation’s farms, food supply, and economy. They will hear from experts about the safety of foods derived from genetically engineered crops and the need for national review and labeling standards for such products. Committee members Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-KS) and Rep. G. K. Butterfield (D-NC) have introduced H.R. 1599, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, and together are circulating updated legislative language, building on their continued efforts in this space.

The Coalition for Safe Affordable Food is pleased to see momentum building for a national solution to address genetically modified food labeling. “This draft language will ensure the legislation can gain even broader support,” said coalition spokesperson Claire Parker. “This bill will provide consumers with confidence in the safety of GMO foods while also enhancing consumer choice by providing for a USDA administered GMO labeling program similar to the successful National Organics Program.”

The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) also supports the new discussion draft which “would further bolster food safety certification and set up a process-based labeling program similar to USDA’s successful National Organic Program.”

“The changes outlined in Congressman Pompeo’s discussion draft will help to strengthen H.R. 1599. They will further strengthen consumer confidence in food safety and model a new labeling program on the proven success of organic certification,” said NCFC President and CEO Chuck Conner.

The hearing will be held Thursday, June 18 at 10:00 am.