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Reply letter from Sen. Bill Nelson Re: Genetically Engineered Foods c90 /1/'. 0/2 all V _��IIIIIII. r ill i 1�A� f - ` -Unite?) .Uafeo . .enn.fe Z0�4 DEC SHINGTON. DC 20510-0905 L+ 9 6 pH I: 03 November 24, 2014 CITY r;% OFF in- 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, bia, /v0406,1„ P.S. From time to time, I compile electronic news briefs highlighting key issues and hot topics of particular importance to Floridians. If you'd like to receive these eBriefs, visit my Web site and sign up for them at http://billnelson.senate.gov/contact-bill/newsletter