WASHINGTON — The American Bakers Association has joined the Coalition for Accurate Product Labels, which was formed to advocate for scientifically accurate labeling for consumer products. The coalition, which represents farmers, manufacturers, small businesses and retailers, will support the Accurate Labels Act introduced June 7 in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
“Labels not based on sound science and legitimate risk only hinder consumers’ ability to shop smart and make healthy choices for their families,” said Robb MacKie, president and chief executive officer of the Washington-based A.B.A.
Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas introduced the Accurate Labels Act as S. 3019 in the Senate, which may be found here. Representatives Adam Kinzinger of Illinois and Kurt Schrader of Oregon introduced the act as H.R. 6022 in the House. The Accurate Labels Act seeks to establish science-based criteria for all additional state and local labeling requirements; allow state-mandated product information to be provided through smartphone-enabled “smart labels” and on web sites; and ensure that covered product information is risk-based.
“These changes will ensure that all labels go through the same level of scientific scrutiny that existing nutrition and allergy labeling does,” Mr. MacKie said. “The Accurate Labels Act represents common sense legislation that benefits bakers, consumers and regulators alike.”
The Coalition for Accurate Product Labels said that so far in 2017 and 2018 there have been 30 proposals in 11 different states that would require warning labels or ingredient listings that go beyond national standards. The coalition pointed to New York, San Francisco and Baltimore proposing warning labels on sweetened beverages.
Besides the A.B.A., other food and agricultural groups in the coalition include the Grocery Manufacturers Association, the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Sugarbeet Growers Association, the Corn Refiners Association, the Frozen Potato Products Institute, the Independent Bakers Association, the International Bottled Water Association, the International Food Additives Council, the Juice Products Association, the National Grocers Association, the National Pork Producers Council, the National Potato Council, SNAC International, and the Sugar Association.