Statement on Grocery Manufacturers Association Lawsuit to Preempt Vermont GMO Labeling Law
FINLAND, Minn. ”“ The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), a multi-billion dollar lobbying group representing more than 300 food, pesticide and pharmaceutical companies, today filed suit in U.S. District Court in the State of Vermont to...
June 12, 2014 | Source: Organic Consumers Association | by
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 12, 2014
CONTACT: Organic Consumers Association, Katherine Paul, 207.653.3090
FINLAND, Minn. The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), a multi-billion dollar lobbying group representing more than 300 food, pesticide and pharmaceutical companies, today filed suit in U.S. District Court in the State of Vermont to preempt Vermonts H.112, a law requiring mandatory labeling of foods sold at retail containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs). H.112 also prohibits food companies from labeling GMO foods as natural or all natural.
The Organic Consumers Associations National Director, Ronnie Cummins, issued the following statement:
Beyond the truth and transparency in labeling issue, every U.S. citizen should be concerned when a multi-billion dollar corporate lobbying group sues in federal court to overturn a states right to govern for the health and safety of its citizens. Every precaution was taken to ensure that Vermonts H.112 would withstand any and all legal challenges, and legal experts agree that that the bill will hold up in federal court. The GMA is merely attempting to inflict damage on Vermont in retaliation for passing H.112, and to intimidate other states that are considering similar legislation or ballot initiatives.
The GMAs membership includes more than 300 companies in the business of selling junk food, pesticides and drugs. The OCA today calls on consumers to boycott the products sold by all of those companies, including the organic and natural brands whose parent companies are members of the GMA. We also call on consumers to support those companies that demonstrate solidarity with consumers by withdrawing their membership support from the trade association. Marketing statistics show that boycotts impact sales, and that this is the best way for consumers to influence corporate decision-makers.
The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) is an online and grassroots non-profit 501(c)3 public interest organization campaigning for health, justice, and sustainability. The Organic Consumers Fund is a 501(c)4 allied organization of the Organic Consumers Association, focused on grassroots lobbying and legislative action.