Leading the fight to convince the FDA that consumers want mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods (GMO), Phil Lempert, America’s Supermarket Guru is going coast to coast with his message “There is no question that the American consumer has the right to know if any of the foods we are consuming contain Genetically Modified ingredients but to insure that our government knows how strongly we feel about mandatory labeling of these foods, we must band together to let the new administration and Secretary of Agriculture, Ann Veneman know how strongly we feel before regulations are finalized on April 3, 2001.
In January editions of the food industry newsletter, “The Lempert Report” as well as running commentary on SupermarketGuru.com, NBC’s TODAY and his weekly syndicated radio show (WOR Radio Network), Lempert has led the way for a grass roots effort “to label or not-to label.”
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In 1999, it took just 300,000 consumer comments to effect major changes in the proposed Organic Regulations. Through day-to-day contact with consumers Lempert has learned that, in theory, Americans are pro-biotech … they know that in mapping the genome we have the ability and the science to uncover and cure chronic diseases like cancers, heart disease, diabetes and obesity, but they are also demanding full disclosure of these foods, their benefits and any potential downsides.
On January 18, 2001, the FDA published its proposed ruling concerning Bio Engineered Foods. Lempert calls this grace period “a call to action for consumers who want their voices heard.” Ironically, American food manufacturers are required to label foods containing GMO’s when sold to consumers throughout Europe, Japan, Russia, Australia, New Zealand and other countries.
“The American consumer has the right to know if any of the foods we are consuming contain Genetically Modified ingredients. Over the past decade more consumers than ever have relied on the ingredient panel and nutritional facts labeling to help guide them through the maze of the supermarket. The American Supermarket Industry cannot afford to loose consumer confidence,” says Lempert.
Lempert’s campaign continues as he encourages consumers to log on his SupermarketGuru.com website, fill out the template provided and have their opinions count with the FDA. Lempert has pledged to compile the statistic and personally hand carry the results to Washington when hearings are scheduled this spring.
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By GlobalDataPhil Lempert has been analyzing consumer habits and food industry trends for the last 25 years. He is America’s Supermarket Guru. A consumer advocate and broadcaster, he is a regular contributor to NBC’s TODAY, syndicated weekly on The WOR Radio Network in over 50 markets, edits “The Lempert Report” and content for SupermarketGuru.com, and writes columns for “The Los Angeles Times” Health Section. Books by Lempert include “Phil Lempert’s Supermarket Shopping and Value Guide” and the upcoming “Before You Bite.”
CONTACT: Vivien Stern of V S M P, The Marketing Group, 914-698-4424 or VSMP2@aol.com, for SupermarketGuru.com
