WASHINGTON (June 7, 2018) – The American Chemistry Council (ACC), a member of the Coalition for Accurate Product Labels, today announced its support for the bipartisan Accurate Labels Act (ALA) as introduced by Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Representatives Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR).
“Consumers have a right to accurate, common sense labels that reflect the best available science,” said American Chemistry Council President and Chief Executive Officer Cal Dooley. “However, a growing number of states and localities are requiring labels that imply risks when none exist. The ALA offers a bipartisan solution to this labeling chaos and misinformation that is creating consumer confusion, driving up costs and creating unreasonable regulatory burdens for farmers, manufacturers and small businesses.”
The ALA would amend the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act to:
- Establish science-based criteria for all additional state labeling requirements. States that meet the criteria can enact their own ingredient listing or labeling programs.
- Allow state-mandated product information to be provided through smartphone-enabled “smart labels” and on websites, where consumers can find up-to-date, relevant ingredients and warnings.
- Clarify that trace amounts of substances do not have to be listed as ingredients since many are the result of packaging, transport or display.
- Ensure consumers continue to benefit from the nutritional and allergy information on packaging today.
The ALA is supported by a coalition of more than 60 associations representing farmers, manufacturers, small businesses and retailers. It was also supported by the following original cosponsors in the House: Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA), Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA), Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC), Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Rep. Filemon Vela (D-TX).
ACC said the need for the legislation is clear from the growing number of proposals in cities and states across the country that mandate certain products carry warning labels that are not backed by science and imply risks where none exist. In the past year, there have been 30 proposals in 11 different states that would require warning labels or ingredient listings that go beyond national standards, which may unnecessarily drive up costs for consumers and interfere with interstate commerce.