How Pet Food Consumer Friendly are the Presidential Candidates?

Which Candidate is most likely to be a pet food consumer friendly President? And which Candidate is least likely to be a pet food consumer friendly President? TruthaboutPetFood.com rates the Presidential Candidates based on their food transparency beliefs.

Questions of pet food concerns were sent to each Presidential Candidate…twice. We wanted to…

1. Educate the Candidates to the current conditions of pet food in the U.S., and
2. Get their stance on ignored federal laws that govern pet food/animal feed.

But…no one responded. Two emails sent to the media contact of each Candidate – both were ignored. Direct message Tweets and direct message via Facebook were also sent to each Candidate. Again, ignored.

So, we went looking into public record. To learn how pet food consumer friendly the Candidates might be, we turned to public information each Candidate has provided of their stance on GMO food and should GMO food be required to be disclosed to consumers on the food label.

TruthaboutPetFood.com’s thinking is…

The battle of disclosure of GMO ingredients in food…is a similar battle of transparency facing pet food consumers.

The Consumer and the Pet Food Consumer Right to Know
what they are purchasing.

We believe – should the Presidential Candidate believe consumers deserve to know if GMO ingredients are in food, the same Candidate is most likely to believe pet food consumers deserve to know what they are buying too (legal food ingredient pet food or illegal feed ingredient pet food allowed by FDA Compliance Policies).

On the flip side, we believe that if the Presidential Candidate DOES NOT believe consumers deserve to know if GMO ingredients are in food, the same Candidate is least likely to believe pet food consumers deserve to know what they are buying too (legal food ingredient pet food or illegal feed ingredient pet food allowed by FDA Compliance Policies).

Of course there is much more involved to running a country than a Candidate’s stance on food transparency, but…food safety is an important issue that I personally believe the Candidates should be questioned on. I would like to know how each candidate feels about factory farming, livestock animals consuming hideous waste feed, and of course – the consumers right to know what they are purchasing. Unfortunately, the Candidates aren’t discussing these topics.

With only limited information – based on the actions and public comments made of their stance on required labeling of GMO foods – the Candidate mostly likely and least likely to become a Pet Food Consumer Friendly President is…(Click on image to enlarge)…

The details…

The Candidate most likely to be a pet food consumer friendly President is…

Bernie Sanders – Democrat

Senator Bernie Sanders represents Vermont, the first U.S. State to pass GMO labeling laws. Bernie Sanders believes that consumers should be informed of GMO ingredients in food and introduced into Congress Sanders Amendment #965 which states: “To permit States to require that any food, beverage, or other edible product offered for sale have a label on indicating that the food, beverage, or other edible product contains a genetically engineered ingredient.” The amendment did not receive enough votes and failed.

Sen. Sanders remarked during consideration of his amendment: “This is a pretty simple issue, and the issue is do the American people have a right to know what they are eating, what is in the food they are ingesting and what their kids are eating…. What this amendment does is very simple. It basically says States that choose to go forward on this issue do have the right. It is not condemning GMOs or anything else. It is simply saying that States have the right to go forward.”

Sanders stated “An overwhelming majority of Americans favor GMO labeling but virtually all of the major biotech and food corporations in the country oppose it . . .The people of Vermont and the people of America have a right to know what’s in the food that they eat.”

Based on his history of advocating for GMO labeling, it is likely that Bernie Sanders would:

1. side with pet food consumers to properly label pet foods that contained illegal ingredients (allowed by FDA Compliance Policies),
2. question FDA’s select enforcement of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act with all animal foods/feeds;
3. become a pet food consumer friendly President.

Other Candidates who might be a pet food consumer friendly President…

Ben Carson – Republican

In a town hall meeting in Iowa, Ben Carson was asked about his stance on agricultural biotechnology and GMO’s. Quoting from the transcript of this meeting:

“I actually like for people to know what they’re buying. I like for people to know what they’re eating. And I think it’s only fair for them to be able to see that, because people have different impressions about what they want to eat. As far as GMOs are concerned, you know, there are a lot of GMOs.  Like broccoli.  Broccoli is a GMO.  It’s a hybrid between two different vegetables. So, you know, there’s a whole spectrum of what is a GMO, and there’s a lot of hype, quite frankly, and propaganda surrounding GMOs. The fact of the matter is, as science progresses, and you know, we learn how to, you know, inject a gene for instance that will make a plant very unpalatable for certain pests, we’ll probably use that technology. That technically is going to be a GMO. So what we really have to do is be logical about it, and not be hysterical about it, and recognize that we do make progress.”

Based on his responses, Ben Carson might:

1. side with pet food consumers to properly label pet foods that contained illegal ingredients (allowed by FDA Compliance Policies),
2. question FDA’s select enforcement of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act with all animal foods/feeds;
3. become a pet food consumer friendly President.

Martin O’Malley – Democrat

In a campaign interview, Martin O’Malley was asked directly if he is in favor of required GMO labeling of food. He responded that he is in agreement that consumers need more information about products they are purchasing (though he did not directly say he would be in favor of GMO labeling).

But, in 2012 the consumer watchdog group Food and Water Watch obtained emails from governor O’Malley (Maryland) that “show the close relationship” he has with Perdue (poultry producer).

Based on his history, Martin O’Malley might:

1. side with pet food consumers to properly label pet foods that contained illegal ingredients (allowed by FDA Compliance Policies),
2. question FDA’s select enforcement of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act with all animal foods/feeds;
3. become a pet food consumer friendly President.

Rand Paul – Republican

Candidate Rand Paul voted against mandatory GMO labeling of food stating “this move would hit the poor the hardest”. Candidate states he is “an opponent of the FDA’s war on natural foods and farmers. I’ve stood up for raw milk, hemp and natural supplements.”

Based on his responses, Rand Paul might:

1. side with pet food consumers to properly label pet foods that contained illegal ingredients (allowed by FDA Compliance Policies),
2. question FDA’s select enforcement of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act with all animal foods/feeds;
3. become a pet food consumer friendly President.

Donald Trump – Republican

NaturalSociety.com reports: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump recently reposted a tweet from a follower blaming his trailing numbers in a new Iowa poll on genetically modified corn that “creates issues in the brain.”

“@mygreenhippo #BenCarson is now leading in the #polls in #Iowa. Too much #Monsanto in the #corn creates issues in the brain? #Trump #GOP“

—  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 22, 2015

The Iowa Farm Bureau asked several Republican candidates the following question…’Do you support the use of biotechnology in food products and oppose efforts to require mandatory labeling for foods simply because they contain ingredients derived from biotechnology?’

Donald Trump responded: “Yes.”

Based on his responses, Donald Trump might:

1. side with pet food consumers to properly label pet foods that contained illegal ingredients (allowed by FDA Compliance Policies),
2. question FDA’s select enforcement of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act with all animal foods/feeds;
3. become a pet food consumer friendly President.

End of possible Pet Food Consumer friendly Presidential Candidates.

 

Based on the actions and public comments made by this Candidate, the Candidate least likely to be a pet food consumer friendly President is…

Hillary Clinton – Democrat

Hillary Clinton has close ties with Monsanto. From the Washington Times…While “Mrs. Clinton ran the State Department”…”Monsanto gave the (Clinton) foundation between $501,250 and $1 million. Dow Chemical Company, which is among the top GMO players, gave between $1 million and $5 million, according to financial disclosures by the Clinton Foundation.”

In the video below, Hillary Clinton seems to say the problem with GMO’s is consumer perception. She states: “Genetically Modified sounds Frankenstein-ish – drought resistant sounds like something you want.”

Based on her long history with Big Agriculture, it is unlikely that Hillary Clinton would:

1. side with pet food consumers to properly label pet foods that contained illegal ingredients (allowed by FDA Compliance Policies),
2. question FDA’s select enforcement of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act with all animal foods/feeds;
3. become a pet food consumer friendly President.

 

Other Candidates who are least likely to be a pet food consumer friendly President…

Jeb Bush – Republican

Jeb Bush is a clear proponent of GMO foods. In the video below, he stated genetically modified food is “one of the greatest high technology segments of our economy”. NaturalSociety.com stated Jeb Bush is not in favor of GMO right to know (required labeling of GMO food). He is in favor of Country of Origin labeling (but did not mention Country of Origin labeling of meat which was just recently repealed).

The farm blog Sara’s House attended the 2016 Iowa Agriculture Summit, she stated regarding Jeb Bush’s opinion on GMO foods: “The third potential presidential candidate to take the stage that morning was former Governor Jeb Bush from Florida.  His comments on GMOs were that we need to celebrate this effort and that they should not be labeled because there is no nutritional difference.”

The Iowa Farm Bureau asked several Republican candidates the following question…

Do you support the use of biotechnology in food products and oppose efforts to require mandatory labeling for foods simply because they contain ingredients derived from biotechnology?

Jeb Bush responded: “Yes. Biotechnology has provided healthier crops and increased yields. It’s improved the farm sector’s bottom line and allowed America to feed a hungry world. I oppose labeling. We should not be making it harder for that kind of innovation to exist. We should celebrate it.”

Based on his responses, it is unlikely that Jeb Bush would:

1. side with pet food consumers to properly label pet foods that contained illegal ingredients (allowed by FDA Compliance Policies),
2. question FDA’s select enforcement of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act with all animal foods/feeds;
3. become a pet food consumer friendly President.

Chris Christie – Republican

From the Iowa Soybean Association blog: “At the Iowa Agriculture Summit, Christie gave the shortest answer to a question during the summit when asked if GMOs should be included on food labels simply saying “No”. All of the candidates in attendance echoed Christie’s thoughts about GMOs saying in their own words that there is no scientific evidence that GMOs negatively impact health so they shouldn’t be included on nutrition labels.”

The farm blog Sara’s House attended the 2016 Iowa Agriculture Summit, she stated regarding Chris Christie’s opinion on GMO foods: “First up was Governor Chris Christie from New Jersey.  He stated that there are programs in place that already provide safe food.  When asked specifically if GMOs needed to be labeled, he firmly stated, “No” and then said that it doesn’t need a complicated answer.”

Based on his responses, it is unlikely that Chris Christie would:

1. side with pet food consumers to properly label pet foods that contained illegal ingredients (allowed by FDA Compliance Policies),
2. question FDA’s select enforcement of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act with all animal foods/feeds;
3. become a pet food consumer friendly President.

Ted Cruz – Republican

From NaturalSociety.com: Speaking on the issue of GMO labeling, KCCI news reports Senator Ted Cruz responded:

“People who decide that’s what they want, they can pay for it already. But, we shouldn’t let anti-science zealotry shut down the ability to produce low cost, quality food for billions across the globe.”

The farm blog Sara’s House attended the 2016 Iowa Agriculture Summit, she stated regarding Ted Cruz’s opinion on GMO foods: “Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator from Texas, spoke at the Iowa Ag Summit next.  He stated that he believes in the science and that it’s important that our food is safe.  He also said that we need to celebrate the science of food and stand up to those against GMOs.”

The Iowa Farm Bureau asked several Republican candidates the following question…

Do you support the use of biotechnology in food products and oppose efforts to require mandatory labeling for foods simply because they contain ingredients derived from biotechnology?

Ted Cruz responded: “Yes.”

Based on his responses, it is unlikely that Ted Cruz would:

1. side with pet food consumers to properly label pet foods that contained illegal ingredients (allowed by FDA Compliance Policies),
2. question FDA’s select enforcement of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act with all animal foods/feeds;
3. become a pet food consumer friendly President.

Carly Fiorina – Republican

From a campaign Town Hall meeting transcript: “Well GMOs are safe. GMOs are safe, and, you know, you have Nobel Prize winners here from Iowa who dwarf wheat. GMOs have improved food production. They’ve fed millions and millions and millions of people. And so, this is an issue that’s being raised by people who maybe don’t understand, or maybe they don’t want to understand, but it’s yet again a problem that’s being raised to provide power and control to government. So I don’t think labeling is necessary, because I think the science is pretty clear that this is not only safe, but it’s a benefit to people all over this nation, and all over the world.”

The Iowa Farm Bureau asked several Republican candidates the following question…

Do you support the use of biotechnology in food products and oppose efforts to require mandatory labeling for foods simply because they contain ingredients derived from biotechnology?

Carly Fiorina responded: “Yes.”

Based on her responses, it is unlikely that Carly Fiorina would:

1. side with pet food consumers to properly label pet foods that contained illegal ingredients (allowed by FDA Compliance Policies),
2. question FDA’s select enforcement of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act with all animal foods/feeds;
3. become a pet food consumer friendly President.

Mike Huckabee – Republican

NaturalSociety.com reports: “Even Mike Huckabee agreed, saying that GMO labeling just made a lot less ‘sense’ to him than labeling foods by their country of origin.”

The farm blog Sara’s House attended the 2016 Iowa Agriculture Summit, she stated regarding Mike Huckabee’s opinion on GMO foods: “Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee was next and he said that science is consistently showing that GMOs are safe.  He thinks that a “Country of Origin” label makes more sense than a GMO label.”

The Iowa Farm Bureau asked several Republican candidates the following question…

Do you support the use of biotechnology in food products and oppose efforts to require mandatory labeling for foods simply because they contain ingredients derived from biotechnology?

Mike Huckabee responded: “Yes.”

Based on his responses, it is unlikely that Mike Huckabee would:

1. side with pet food consumers to properly label pet foods that contained illegal ingredients (allowed by FDA Compliance Policies),
2. question FDA’s select enforcement of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act with all animal foods/feeds;
3. become a pet food consumer friendly President.

George Pataki – Republican

The farm blog Sara’s House attended the 2016 Iowa Agriculture Summit, she stated regarding George Pataki’s opinion on GMO foods: “Former Governor of New York, George Pataki, commented that biotech is absolutely critical and that he is very supportive of GMOs.  The science is clear, GMOs provide no threats to consumers and there is no reason for them to be labeled.”

The Iowa Farm Bureau asked several Republican candidates the following question…

Do you support the use of biotechnology in food products and oppose efforts to require mandatory labeling for foods simply because they contain ingredients derived from biotechnology?

George Pataki responded: “Yes.”

Based on his responses, it is unlikely that George Pataki would:

1. side with pet food consumers to properly label pet foods that contained illegal ingredients (allowed by FDA Compliance Policies),
2. question FDA’s select enforcement of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act with all animal foods/feeds;
3. become a pet food consumer friendly President.

Marco Rubio – Republican

As my Florida representative, I have written Marco Rubio numerous times. The following was his response to my email alerting him to existing conditions of the pet food industry: “Thank you for contacting me regarding the protection and well being of animals. Like you, I understand that the protection of domestic animals and wildlife is an important component of the preservation of our country’s natural resources. It is also important we strike an appropriate balance between the protection of our environment and natural resources, while at the same time not placing burdensome regulations on businesses that could undermine our nation’s economic recovery.”

Marco Rubio voted against the bill proposed by Bernie Sanders to require GMO labeling of food.

The Iowa Farm Bureau asked several Republican candidates the following question…

Do you support the use of biotechnology in food products and oppose efforts to require mandatory labeling for foods simply because they contain ingredients derived from biotechnology?

Marco Rubio responded: “Yes.”

Based on his responses, it is unlikely that Marco Rubio would:

1. side with pet food consumers to properly label pet foods that contained illegal ingredients (allowed by FDA Compliance Policies),
2. question FDA’s select enforcement of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act with all animal foods/feeds;
3. become a pet food consumer friendly President.

Rick Santorum – Republican

The farm blog Sara’s House attended the 2016 Iowa Agriculture Summit, she stated regarding Rick Santorum’s opinion on GMO foods: “Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum from Pennsylvania expressed that he has seen no reason, scientifically, to label a product that is nutritionally the same.  If it came down to labeling GMOs, then it would need to be at the national level and not the state level.”

The Iowa Farm Bureau asked several Republican candidates the following question…

Do you support the use of biotechnology in food products and oppose efforts to require mandatory labeling for foods simply because they contain ingredients derived from biotechnology?

Rick Santorum responded: “Yes.”

Based on his responses, it is unlikely that Rick Santorum would:

1. side with pet food consumers to properly label pet foods that contained illegal ingredients (allowed by FDA Compliance Policies),
2. question FDA’s select enforcement of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act with all animal foods/feeds;
3. become a pet food consumer friendly President.

 

Click Here for an abbreviated info graphic (easy to share) of all of the above information.

 

Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,

Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author Buyer Beware, Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
Association for Truth in Pet Food

What’s in Your Pet’s Food?
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The 2016 List
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