FRANKFORT, Ky. — The debate over mandatory genetically modified (GMO) materials labeling continued last week as the U.S. House passed the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act (SAFLA).

The controversial bill would block states from making GMO labeling a mandate, and instead puts into place guidelines for a voluntary system. Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.) wrote the bill, which according to information from his office, ensures Kansas farmers can continue to be “the breadbasket of the world” and that Kansas families will have access to abundant, nutritious and affordable food.

“For the past two years we have worked hard to defend our farmers’ right to use the amazing advances in biotechnology that allow them to increase yields, while reducing water and pesticide use,” he said. “These genetically engineered products are not only providing safe food for Kansans, but will feed the next billion people across the world.

“Through the course of several hearings on GMOs, along with the hundreds of safety studies that have been done over the last 20 years, the argument over the safety of GMOs has now been put to rest.”

Pompeo went on to say the bill is supported by more than 400 groups that provide safe and affordable food for the world and that the legislation will eliminate the state-by-state labeling patchwork that “would serve to confuse consumers, stigmatize GMO crops and raise food costs.”

But the effects of the bill and the discussion of GMOs goes beyond Kansas. Proponents of the legislation have voiced their concern about the cost of such mandatory labeling along with the confusion it would cause for consumers. Supporters also point to the fact organizations like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the World Health Organization and the American Medical Assoc. have given their okay to GMO products.

American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman said of the bill that Congress stood with farmers and ranchers in supporting innovation that helps the environment and keeps food prices down for everyone.

“The American Farm Bureau Federation supports all farmers and ranchers and opposes anyone who stands in the way of safe, affordable food,” he said. “Consumers benefit from variety in the marketplace and should be free to make choices based on facts. The facts are that many farmers are growing more food with fewer resources, reducing their environmental impact, and keeping costs down – all thanks to advances in biotechnology.”

Opponents, however, refer to Pompeo’s bill as the DARK Act – or “Deny Americans the Right to Know” Act. The latest organization to speak out against SAFLA is Dr. Bonner’s, a family-owned business and one of the largest makers of natural soaps in North America.

David Bonner, president of the company, said junk food manufacturers and the pesticide industry want to keep people in the dark about the food they are eating.

“They’ve pulled out all the stops and kicked their propaganda machine into high gear to ram this terrible law through Congress,” he said. “Americans overwhelmingly want to know if the food they are eating has been genetically modified to withstand high doses of pesticides and must be vocal to stop the DARK Act.”

Bonner is joined by many environmental organizations in opposing the bill, and three states have already passed legislation that would require mandatory labeling of GMO products.

But agriculture advocates have also come out in force in an effort to see the federal legislation become law. While the bill passed the House in a somewhat partisan fashion, there were some legislators that crossed party lines to vote. Twelve Republicans voted against the bill while 45 Democrats voted yes, and it passed by a vote of 275-150, with 8 members not voting.

According to information from Congress.Gov a summary of the bill includes provisions denoting: “The FDA must allow, but not require, GMO food to be labeled as GMO; the FDA must regulate the use of ‘natural’ on food labels; this bill amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require the Agricultural Marketing Service to establish a program to certify non-GMO food; and this bill preempts state and local restrictions on GMOs or GMO food and labeling requirements for GMOs, GMO food, non-GMO food or ‘natural’ food.”