Food Access, Nutrition and Label Transparency

Our policy team works hard to ensure broader support for community nutrition programs, healthier food options for all and transparency in ingredients and nutrition.

PCC Engages on UN Food Systems Summit (May 10, 2021)

PCC participated in an independent United Nations (UN) Food Systems Summit dialogue, hosted by the Organic Trade Association (OTA). The discussion focused on the role of organic in food security and sustainable food systems across the globe.

PCC participated in an independent United Nations (UN) Food Systems Summit dialogue, hosted by the Organic Trade Association (OTA). The discussion focused on the role of organic in food security and sustainable food systems across the globe.

Nutrition info by food purveyors (August 9, 2017)

PCC supports menu labeling requirements at restaurants and food establishments. Implement rules as finalized without delay.

PCC supports menu labeling requirements at restaurants and food establishments. Implement rules as finalized without delay.

FDA should ban “healthy” label claims (April 26, 2017)

"Healthy" food label claims mislead consumers. The healthiest foods aren't labeled and the criteria aren't uniform for all foods or people.

"Healthy" food label claims mislead consumers. The healthiest foods aren't labeled and the criteria aren't uniform for all foods or people.

Shoppers find the “natural” label on foods confusing (May 10, 2016)

Numerous surveys show consumers are misled and confused by "natural" claims on food packages. "Natural" claims do not deliver what consumers expect.

Numerous surveys show consumers are misled and confused by "natural" claims on food packages. "Natural" claims do not deliver what consumers expect.

No burdensome regulations on raw milk cheese (November 2, 2015)

PCC supports the availability of raw milk cheese. Studies show it doesn't share health risks associated with raw fluid milk. FDA shouldn't impose extra regulations.

PCC supports the availability of raw milk cheese. Studies show it doesn't share health risks associated with raw fluid milk. FDA shouldn't impose extra regulations.

Country of Origin labeling (July 24, 2015)

It is premature for Congress to surrender Country of Origin Labeling without completing the World Trade Organization dispute process.

It is premature for Congress to surrender Country of Origin Labeling without completing the World Trade Organization dispute process.

Reject repeal of County-of-Origin labeling (June 8, 2015)

PCC joins others to urge the House Agricultural Committee to reject repeal of Country-of-Origin Labeling, despite pressure from the WTO, Canada and Mexico.

PCC joins others to urge the House Agricultural Committee to reject repeal of Country-of-Origin Labeling, despite pressure from the WTO, Canada and Mexico.

Updating American dietary guidelines (May 8, 2015)

PCC supports updating dietary guidelines to disclose added sugars, discourage artificial sweeteners, deemphasize cholesterol and fat, and incorporate environmental sustainability criteria.

PCC supports updating dietary guidelines to disclose added sugars, discourage artificial sweeteners, deemphasize cholesterol and fat, and incorporate environmental sustainability criteria.

Proposed changes in nutrition labels (August 1, 2014)

PCC supports FDA's proposal to label added sugar and potassium. We support labeling all trans fat content, even if less than 0.5 gram.

PCC supports FDA's proposal to label added sugar and potassium. We support labeling all trans fat content, even if less than 0.5 gram.

Support for King Conservation District proposal (July 23, 2014)

PCC supports the District's proposal to fund sustainable agriculture, to help strengthen our local economy and food security.

PCC supports the District's proposal to fund sustainable agriculture, to help strengthen our local economy and food security.

Shopper survey about “Nutrient additives” in organics (November 11, 2011)

A PCC shopper survey shows organic consumers do not want organic foods fortified with synthetic "nutrients," such as DHA algal oil by Market BioSciences.

A PCC shopper survey shows organic consumers do not want organic foods fortified with synthetic "nutrients," such as DHA algal oil by Market BioSciences.

FDA’s gluten free food labeling proposal (September 8, 2011)

PCC supports the 20 ppm standard proposed and believes label claims should be backed by testing to ensure consumer safety.

PCC supports the 20 ppm standard proposed and believes label claims should be backed by testing to ensure consumer safety.

“Natural” claims on meat & poultry (November 13, 2009)

The term "natural" must match consumer concerns to include criteria on animal welfare, additives, preservatives and solvents. Modified atmosphere packaging shouldn't be allowed.

The term "natural" must match consumer concerns to include criteria on animal welfare, additives, preservatives and solvents. Modified atmosphere packaging shouldn't be allowed.

We support funding WSU’s OREI Project (March 5, 2009)

We support the project for cultivar selection, soil management, and preservation of organic fruits and vegetables for nutrition and sensory quality.

We support the project for cultivar selection, soil management, and preservation of organic fruits and vegetables for nutrition and sensory quality.

Amend Interim Country-of-Origin Labeling rule (September 30, 2008)

The Interim Final Rule for COOL should be amended to include cured meats, fruits, mixed vegetables and roasted nuts, not exempt them.

The Interim Final Rule for COOL should be amended to include cured meats, fruits, mixed vegetables and roasted nuts, not exempt them.

Urging transparency in restaurants (July 19, 2007)

PCC testifies before the King Co. Board of Health supporting regulations for full disclosure of restaurant food nutrition facts.

PCC testifies before the King Co. Board of Health supporting regulations for full disclosure of restaurant food nutrition facts.

PCC implements Country-of-Origin labeling (July 12, 2007)

PCC voluntarily implemented labeling with no noticeable cost or impact. We urge USDA to seek Congressional support for implementing COOL.

PCC voluntarily implemented labeling with no noticeable cost or impact. We urge USDA to seek Congressional support for implementing COOL.

Vote no on the National Uniformity for Food Act (June 16, 2006)

This act would void nearly 200 state food safety laws in the name of federal "uniformity." Uniformity is unnecessary and weakens consumer protections.

This act would void nearly 200 state food safety laws in the name of federal "uniformity." Uniformity is unnecessary and weakens consumer protections.

Fund Farm-to-School food and school gardens (March 23, 2006)

This section of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act should receive $5 million in funding. It removes barriers, benefiting smaller-scale farms and food-insecure children.

This section of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act should receive $5 million in funding. It removes barriers, benefiting smaller-scale farms and food-insecure children.

Support state food laws (March 1, 2006)

The National Uniformity for Food Act would void 200 state food safety protections. This would weaken consumer protections since state laws are more stringent.

The National Uniformity for Food Act would void 200 state food safety protections. This would weaken consumer protections since state laws are more stringent.

Irradiated foods have no place in school cafeterias (June 17, 2004)

Child Nutrition Act Reauthorization should require labeling irradiated food in schools. Public opinion is against irradiation and children should have alternatives available.

Child Nutrition Act Reauthorization should require labeling irradiated food in schools. Public opinion is against irradiation and children should have alternatives available.

Support funding for Country-of-Origin Labeling (May 19, 2004)

This joint letter urges the committee to reject any attempts to defund or undermine the Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) requirements.

This joint letter urges the committee to reject any attempts to defund or undermine the Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) requirements.

Amending the National School Lunch Act (May 18, 2004)

Thank you, Rep. McDermott, for co-sponsoring an amendment to the National School Lunch Act that will improve the quality of school food.

Thank you, Rep. McDermott, for co-sponsoring an amendment to the National School Lunch Act that will improve the quality of school food.

Regulate nutrition in school food (March 3, 2004)

The proposal would require healthier snacks and beverages sold in vending machines and fundraisers at schools to reduce obesity and related diseases.

The proposal would require healthier snacks and beverages sold in vending machines and fundraisers at schools to reduce obesity and related diseases.

Improving school food choices in vending machines (March 12, 2003)

PCC supports the efforts to offer healthier foods in school vending machines. Many companies that schools contract with, such as Coca Cola, could offer healthier choices.

PCC supports the efforts to offer healthier foods in school vending machines. Many companies that schools contract with, such as Coca Cola, could offer healthier choices.

Keep labeling irradiated foods (January 18, 2002)

PCC urges USDA to maintain laws requiring "Treated by Irradiation" labels on food and to reject any alternative language that would be deceptive.

PCC urges USDA to maintain laws requiring "Treated by Irradiation" labels on food and to reject any alternative language that would be deceptive.

Don’t irradiate imported fruits and vegetables (July 21, 2000)

PCC opposes USDA's proposal to irradiate imported foods. There are more healthful ways to control pests. Irradiation creates Unique Radiolytic Products (URPs) that are not well understood or studied.

PCC opposes USDA's proposal to irradiate imported foods. There are more healthful ways to control pests. Irradiation creates Unique Radiolytic Products (URPs) that are not well understood or studied.

PCC Engages on UN Food Systems Summit (May 10, 2021)

PCC participated in an independent United Nations (UN) Food Systems Summit dialogue, hosted by the Organic Trade Association (OTA). The discussion focused on the role of organic in food security and sustainable food systems across the globe.

PCC participated in an independent United Nations (UN) Food Systems Summit dialogue, hosted by the Organic Trade Association (OTA). The discussion focused on the role of organic in food security and sustainable food systems across the globe.

Nutrition info by food purveyors (August 9, 2017)

PCC supports menu labeling requirements at restaurants and food establishments. Implement rules as finalized without delay.

PCC supports menu labeling requirements at restaurants and food establishments. Implement rules as finalized without delay.

FDA should ban “healthy” label claims (April 26, 2017)

"Healthy" food label claims mislead consumers. The healthiest foods aren't labeled and the criteria aren't uniform for all foods or people.

"Healthy" food label claims mislead consumers. The healthiest foods aren't labeled and the criteria aren't uniform for all foods or people.

Shoppers find the “natural” label on foods confusing (May 10, 2016)

Numerous surveys show consumers are misled and confused by "natural" claims on food packages. "Natural" claims do not deliver what consumers expect.

Numerous surveys show consumers are misled and confused by "natural" claims on food packages. "Natural" claims do not deliver what consumers expect.

No burdensome regulations on raw milk cheese (November 2, 2015)

PCC supports the availability of raw milk cheese. Studies show it doesn't share health risks associated with raw fluid milk. FDA shouldn't impose extra regulations.

PCC supports the availability of raw milk cheese. Studies show it doesn't share health risks associated with raw fluid milk. FDA shouldn't impose extra regulations.

Country of Origin labeling (July 24, 2015)

It is premature for Congress to surrender Country of Origin Labeling without completing the World Trade Organization dispute process.

It is premature for Congress to surrender Country of Origin Labeling without completing the World Trade Organization dispute process.

Reject repeal of County-of-Origin labeling (June 8, 2015)

PCC joins others to urge the House Agricultural Committee to reject repeal of Country-of-Origin Labeling, despite pressure from the WTO, Canada and Mexico.

PCC joins others to urge the House Agricultural Committee to reject repeal of Country-of-Origin Labeling, despite pressure from the WTO, Canada and Mexico.

Updating American dietary guidelines (May 8, 2015)

PCC supports updating dietary guidelines to disclose added sugars, discourage artificial sweeteners, deemphasize cholesterol and fat, and incorporate environmental sustainability criteria.

PCC supports updating dietary guidelines to disclose added sugars, discourage artificial sweeteners, deemphasize cholesterol and fat, and incorporate environmental sustainability criteria.

Proposed changes in nutrition labels (August 1, 2014)

PCC supports FDA's proposal to label added sugar and potassium. We support labeling all trans fat content, even if less than 0.5 gram.

PCC supports FDA's proposal to label added sugar and potassium. We support labeling all trans fat content, even if less than 0.5 gram.

Support for King Conservation District proposal (July 23, 2014)

PCC supports the District's proposal to fund sustainable agriculture, to help strengthen our local economy and food security.

PCC supports the District's proposal to fund sustainable agriculture, to help strengthen our local economy and food security.

Shopper survey about “Nutrient additives” in organics (November 11, 2011)

A PCC shopper survey shows organic consumers do not want organic foods fortified with synthetic "nutrients," such as DHA algal oil by Market BioSciences.

A PCC shopper survey shows organic consumers do not want organic foods fortified with synthetic "nutrients," such as DHA algal oil by Market BioSciences.

FDA’s gluten free food labeling proposal (September 8, 2011)

PCC supports the 20 ppm standard proposed and believes label claims should be backed by testing to ensure consumer safety.

PCC supports the 20 ppm standard proposed and believes label claims should be backed by testing to ensure consumer safety.

“Natural” claims on meat & poultry (November 13, 2009)

The term "natural" must match consumer concerns to include criteria on animal welfare, additives, preservatives and solvents. Modified atmosphere packaging shouldn't be allowed.

The term "natural" must match consumer concerns to include criteria on animal welfare, additives, preservatives and solvents. Modified atmosphere packaging shouldn't be allowed.

We support funding WSU’s OREI Project (March 5, 2009)

We support the project for cultivar selection, soil management, and preservation of organic fruits and vegetables for nutrition and sensory quality.

We support the project for cultivar selection, soil management, and preservation of organic fruits and vegetables for nutrition and sensory quality.

Amend Interim Country-of-Origin Labeling rule (September 30, 2008)

The Interim Final Rule for COOL should be amended to include cured meats, fruits, mixed vegetables and roasted nuts, not exempt them.

The Interim Final Rule for COOL should be amended to include cured meats, fruits, mixed vegetables and roasted nuts, not exempt them.

Urging transparency in restaurants (July 19, 2007)

PCC testifies before the King Co. Board of Health supporting regulations for full disclosure of restaurant food nutrition facts.

PCC testifies before the King Co. Board of Health supporting regulations for full disclosure of restaurant food nutrition facts.

PCC implements Country-of-Origin labeling (July 12, 2007)

PCC voluntarily implemented labeling with no noticeable cost or impact. We urge USDA to seek Congressional support for implementing COOL.

PCC voluntarily implemented labeling with no noticeable cost or impact. We urge USDA to seek Congressional support for implementing COOL.

Vote no on the National Uniformity for Food Act (June 16, 2006)

This act would void nearly 200 state food safety laws in the name of federal "uniformity." Uniformity is unnecessary and weakens consumer protections.

This act would void nearly 200 state food safety laws in the name of federal "uniformity." Uniformity is unnecessary and weakens consumer protections.

Fund Farm-to-School food and school gardens (March 23, 2006)

This section of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act should receive $5 million in funding. It removes barriers, benefiting smaller-scale farms and food-insecure children.

This section of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act should receive $5 million in funding. It removes barriers, benefiting smaller-scale farms and food-insecure children.

Support state food laws (March 1, 2006)

The National Uniformity for Food Act would void 200 state food safety protections. This would weaken consumer protections since state laws are more stringent.

The National Uniformity for Food Act would void 200 state food safety protections. This would weaken consumer protections since state laws are more stringent.

Irradiated foods have no place in school cafeterias (June 17, 2004)

Child Nutrition Act Reauthorization should require labeling irradiated food in schools. Public opinion is against irradiation and children should have alternatives available.

Child Nutrition Act Reauthorization should require labeling irradiated food in schools. Public opinion is against irradiation and children should have alternatives available.

Support funding for Country-of-Origin Labeling (May 19, 2004)

This joint letter urges the committee to reject any attempts to defund or undermine the Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) requirements.

This joint letter urges the committee to reject any attempts to defund or undermine the Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) requirements.

Amending the National School Lunch Act (May 18, 2004)

Thank you, Rep. McDermott, for co-sponsoring an amendment to the National School Lunch Act that will improve the quality of school food.

Thank you, Rep. McDermott, for co-sponsoring an amendment to the National School Lunch Act that will improve the quality of school food.

Regulate nutrition in school food (March 3, 2004)

The proposal would require healthier snacks and beverages sold in vending machines and fundraisers at schools to reduce obesity and related diseases.

The proposal would require healthier snacks and beverages sold in vending machines and fundraisers at schools to reduce obesity and related diseases.

Improving school food choices in vending machines (March 12, 2003)

PCC supports the efforts to offer healthier foods in school vending machines. Many companies that schools contract with, such as Coca Cola, could offer healthier choices.

PCC supports the efforts to offer healthier foods in school vending machines. Many companies that schools contract with, such as Coca Cola, could offer healthier choices.

Keep labeling irradiated foods (January 18, 2002)

PCC urges USDA to maintain laws requiring "Treated by Irradiation" labels on food and to reject any alternative language that would be deceptive.

PCC urges USDA to maintain laws requiring "Treated by Irradiation" labels on food and to reject any alternative language that would be deceptive.

Don’t irradiate imported fruits and vegetables (July 21, 2000)

PCC opposes USDA's proposal to irradiate imported foods. There are more healthful ways to control pests. Irradiation creates Unique Radiolytic Products (URPs) that are not well understood or studied.

PCC opposes USDA's proposal to irradiate imported foods. There are more healthful ways to control pests. Irradiation creates Unique Radiolytic Products (URPs) that are not well understood or studied.