JUST LABEL IT, A GROUP which advocates for the labeling of genetically engineered foods, has hired its first lobbying firm, Mehlman Castagnetti Rosen Bingel & Thomas. According to the firm’s lobbying disclosure form it will help Just Label It with “support [for a] legal petition to the FDA calling for the mandatory labeling of GE foods.”
The hire of Mehlman Castagnetti Rosen Bingel & Thomas is most timely; the House Energy and Commerce Committee is holding a hearing on the Food and Drug Administration’s role in regulating GMO food ingredients today. The focus of the hearing is on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s current “authority over foods from genetically engineered plants and what the agency has learned about the safety of such products” according to a letter from the Majority Committee Staff to the Members of the Subcommittee on Health.
Congress has shown an increasing interest in addressing the GMO labeling debate. In April, Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.) and Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.) introduced H.R. 4432, Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2014. Source Watch reports that “the bill would prohibit states from passing their own state-wide laws to label genetically modified organisms (GMOs), prevent states from ensuring that GMOs can’t be labeled as “natural,” and make “voluntary labeling” the continuing federal standards.”
The Associated Press has reported that “Rep. Henry Waxman of California, the top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, said he is concerned that labeling could be “inherently misleading.” Rep. G.K Butterfield of North Carolina, a Democrat who represents a heavily agricultural district, said he is worried the costs of labeling would be passed on to consumers.”
Mehlman Castagnetti Rosen Bingel & Thomas certainly have their work cut out for them. They face opposition from other powerful and experienced outside influence groups who oppose the need for mandatory labeling of GE products. The “Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and dozens of other food groups,” have all come out in opposition of measures introduced by states which attempt to create mandatory GMO labeling, reports Politico.
Tags: G.K. Butterfield, Henry Waxman, Mehlman Castagnetti Rosen Bigel & Thomas, Mike Pompeo
