Doug Wheeler: One label, one standard

Americans have a right to know what is in the food they buy. They also deserve a system that is clear, consistent and affordable.

As the Make America Healthy Again movement continues to drive conversations about food ingredients and transparency, states have increasingly adopted their own labeling and ingredient standards. While well-intentioned, this growing patchwork of state-by-state regulations risks creating confusion for consumers and significant compliance costs for businesses that ultimately show up as higher grocery prices.

Affordability remains top of mind for families across the country, and businesses are not eager to raise prices. But complying with a growing number of state-specific labeling requirements is not as simple as changing a few words on a package. Companies must navigate legal reviews, redesign labels, update packaging and manage separate inventories for different markets. Those costs add up quickly.

The burden extends beyond large manufacturers. Small businesses, local food producers and neighborhood retailers often have fewer resources to absorb compliance expenses. For a small company looking to expand across state lines, navigating dozens of different labeling standards can become a costly barrier to growth.

The data support a national approach. A survey by the Job Creators Network found that 100% of respondents, including grocery stores and wholesale distributors, preferred a uniform national standard for product ingredient labeling rather than a state-by-state system. The reason is straightforward: Compliance with a patchwork of state regulations could cost industry stakeholders more than $380 million. Under a single national framework, that figure falls to less than $15 million.

The case for national consistency is even stronger given that the Food and Drug Administration already maintains detailed federal labeling requirements. The FDA requires disclosure of food allergens and ingredients and provides a nationwide framework that consumers understand and rely upon. Americans should be able to purchase products anywhere in the country, knowing they are subject to the same standards and safety requirements.

The goal should be to strengthen and improve the existing federal framework, not create a maze of conflicting state regulations that increase costs and complexity. Consumers benefit when ingredient information is clear, consistent and easy to understand, regardless of where they live or travel.

That is why U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack has introduced the FRESH (FDA Review and Evaluation for Safe, Healthy) and Affordable Foods Act. The legislation would direct the FDA to establish and oversee a national, uniform and predictable standard for food and beverage ingredient labeling. It seeks to reduce regulatory confusion while preserving the consumer protections Americans already expect.

Americans deserve transparency, but they also deserve practical policy solutions that do not unnecessarily increase costs. The FRESH and Affordable Foods Act offers Congress an opportunity to reduce regulatory burdens, help small businesses compete and provide consumers with a clear and consistent labeling system.

Floridians and Americans alike are already feeling pressure at the checkout line. While this legislation will not solve every factor contributing to food prices, it addresses one avoidable cost driver without expanding government, burdening taxpayers or creating new bureaucracy. Congress should move quickly to pass the FRESH and Affordable Foods Act.

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Doug Wheeler serves as director of the George Gibbs Center for Economic Prosperity at The James Madison Institute.