Dear Mrs. Westfall:

Thank you for writing to express your concerns about genetically engineered foods.  I appreciate hearing from you, and I welcome the opportunity to respond.  I share your belief that consumers have the right to know when the food that they eat contains genetically-altered ingredients.

I am a cosponsor of the “Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act” (S. 511), introduced by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) on February 12, 2015.  This bill would require the labeling of products that contain genetically-modified ingredients.  S. 511 currently awaits consideration before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, of which I am not a member.

Additionally, you may be interested to know that on December 19, 2013, I wrote to President Obama to call for consumer transparency by requiring the labeling of genetically engineered foods.  The basic information on labels will empower consumers to choose for themselves whether to purchase genetically engineered foods.

Please know that I appreciate knowing of your support for labeling genetically engineered products and ingredients, and I will certainly keep the issues you have raised in mind should the Senate consider further legislation on this issue.

Again, thank you for your letter.  I hope you will continue to write on matters of importance to you.  If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to contact my Washington, D.C., office at (202) 224-3841, or online athttp://feinstein.senate.gov.  Best regards.