01.31.19

Cantwell, Bipartisan Senators Reintroduce ‘Frankenfish’ Labeling Bill

Cantwell: Mandatory labeling necessary “to protect consumers and promote environmental sustainability”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to ensure genetically engineered salmon sold to consumers is clearly labeled. 

The Genetically Engineered Salmon Labeling Act would require that any genetically engineered salmon products sold in the U.S. market are clearly labeled “genetically engineered” in the market name. Last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published labeling guidelines for genetically engineered foods, including “frankenfish,” with weak requirements that could confuse consumers and pave the way for genetically engineered salmon products to be sold to consumers without clear labels. 

“Wild seafood from Washington and Alaska is simply more sustainable and more delicious,” Senator Cantwell said. “Mandatory labeling of genetically engineered salmon is necessary to protect consumers and promote environmental sustainability.” 

Senator Cantwell has long fought for clear, mandatory labeling requirements for frankenfish products being marketed to consumers. In November 2015, when the FDA initially approved genetically engineered salmon, she called the decision a “mistake” and articulated the need for clear product labeling. She has also repeatedly introduced provisions to require consumer-friendly labeling, including in the government spending bill in 2015 and by introducing legislation with Senator Murkowski in previous Congresses.

The full text of the bill is available HERE.

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