Reply letter from Sen. Bill Nelson Re: Genetically Engineered Foods c90 /1/'.
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November 24, 2014 CITY r;%
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BILL NELSON
FLORIDA
Mr. Rafael Granado
City Clerk, City of Miami Beach
1700 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
Dear Mr. Granado:
Thank you for contacting me regarding labeling policies for genetically engineered (GE)
foods. Genetic modification of agricultural crops could increase the availability of food products
with more desirable traits, such as improved nutritional value, increased yields, and reduced use
of pesticides or other chemicals.
Although genetic engineering may come with benefits, consumers also have a right to be
assured that what they are eating is safe. Food producers must fully understand and inform
consumers on the public health and environmental consequences of these foods. In 2013, I voted
for a measure that would have prohibited the Food and Drug Administration from approving
genetically engineered fish unless the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also
approved.
Since 1986, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency,
and the Food and Drug Administration have employed a coordinated, risk-based system to
ensure that new GE products are safe for the environment and human and animal health. The
Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act requires that labels be truthful and not misleading, and
Federal law prohibits ambiguous label statements that could be misunderstood by consumers.
The Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act, S.809, is pending before the
Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. A similar provision was proposed
as an amendment to the farm bill (S.954) but was not adopted.
I am aware of your interest in this issue and will be sure to keep your views in mind.
Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future.
Sincerely,
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