Natural Products Association Supports GMO Labeling Legislation

The Natural Products Association (NPA) Board of Directors announced that it has endorsed the Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act that would require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to label foods containing genetically modified ingredients so consumers can make educated decisions about foods they buy. By endorsing the bill, NPA becomes the first and largest natural products industry trade association to back the legislation, giving it crucial support as Americans continue to call for stronger GMO labeling. NPA represents over 2,000 members accounting for more than 10,000 locations of retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of natural products in the U.S. and abroad.

NPA’s endorsement of the bill comes just three months after the association called for all foods containing genetically modified organisms to be accurately labeled under a national uniform standard. The bipartisan legislation was introduced by Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., in April. Co-sponsors of the bill include Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska.

“Supporting this legislation is the next logical step for the Natural Products Association,” says John Shaw, NPA Executive Director and CEO. “In the last few months, the association has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring consumers know what’s in their food. We feel strongly that this bill is in line with our guiding principles on GMO labeling, and that it will lead the country on the path toward transparency that Americans are demanding.”