A bill proposed to the U.S. senate would require foods with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to be labelled, but would allow food manufacturers the ability to choose the type of labelling. For instance, brands could include a link, a QR code or a phone number that consumers could use to get more information about the food, including the GMO contents.

Sandy Almendarez, VP of Content

July 6, 2016

A bill proposed to the U.S. senate would require foods with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to be labelled, but would allow food manufacturers the ability to choose the type of labelling. For instance, brands could include a link, a QR code or a phone number that consumers could use to get more information about the food, including the GMO contents.

While a number of food organizations, such as the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and the Organic Trade Association (OTA) support the bill, the Organic & Natural Health Association calls it the GMO “Disappearing Act,” saying that it doesn’t give consumers the information they desire.

In this podcast, Karen Howard, CEO and executive director, Organic & Natural Health Association, and Sandy Almendarez, editor in chief, INSIDER, discuss:

  • The proposed legislation’s loopholes and flaws, as seen by the Organic & Natural Health Association.

  • Why under this law, highly processed foods wouldn’t need labelling to disclose GMOs, even if they contain genetically engineered ingredients.

  • Why Howard believes that this proposed bill would erode the strength of organic products.

Editor's Note: Howard and Almendarez discuss the timing of the vote for this proposed bill in the Senate. An article on Politico said the cloture vote--a vote that breaks a filibuster--is expected after 3 p.m. Eastern today (July 6, 2016). 

Links and Resources:

Got feedback? Email Sandy Almendarez at [email protected], or tweet to @NatProdINSIDER using the hashtag #INSIDERPodcast.

About the Author(s)

Sandy Almendarez

VP of Content, Informa

Summary

• Well-known subject matter expert within the health & nutrition industry with more than 15 years’ experience reporting on natural products.

• She cares a lot about how healthy products are made, where their ingredients are sourced and how they affect human health.

• She knows that it’s the people behind the businesses — their motivations, feelings and emotions — drive industry growth, so that’s where she looks for content opportunities.

Sandy Almendarez is VP of Content for SupplySide and an award-winning journalist. She oversees the editorial and content marketing teams for the B2B media brands Natural Products Insider and Food and Beverage Insider, the education programming for the health and nutrition trade shows SupplySide East and SupplySide West, and community engagement across the SupplySide portfolio. She is a seasoned content strategist with a passion for health, good nutrition, sustainability and inclusion. With over 15 years of experience in the health and nutrition industry, Sandy brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as a content-focused business leader. With specialization in topics ranging from product development to content engagement, creative marketing and c-suite decision making, her work is known for its engaging style and its relevance for business leaders in the health and nutrition industry.

In her free time, Sandy loves running, drinking hot tea and watching her two kids grow up. She brews her own “Sandbucha” homemade kombucha; she’s happy to share if you’re ever in Phoenix!

Awards:

Speaker credentials

Resides in

  • Phoenix, AZ

Education

  • Arizona State University

Contact:

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