WASHINGTON – Today a diverse coalition of 84 organizations called on House and Senate lawmakers to oppose any legislative efforts that would block state laws protecting consumers from toxic chemicals in food.
The coalition includes the Environmental Working Group and many other public health and environmental groups. The letter they sent today says state laws are often the first line of defense for consumers facing emerging chemical-safety threats in the food supply, especially since the Food and Drug Administration has failed to act. It says:
[S]tates have led efforts to address the risks posed by food and food contact chemicals – by enacting laws in five states and considering laws in more than 20 states.
The ingredients addressed by these state laws and bills have already been addressed by many of our trading partners in other nations.
We understand that Congress may consider food safety legislation. As you do so, we urge you to reject efforts to limit the power of states to protect consumers.
While we remain hopeful that FDA will fulfill their food safety responsibilities, we urge you to reject efforts to undermine the important supplementary role played by states.
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The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
