Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) Statement on Washington State Attorney General Status Report on Lawsuit against GMA on "No on 522" Funding

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Earlier this month, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) voluntarily decided to register as a political committee in the state of Washington.  By registering as a political committee, GMA has disclosed the amount of all contributions to the 'No on 522' campaign organization and the source of those funds.

"GMA registered as a political committee to provide the voters of Washington State with full transparency related to its contributions for the 'No on 522' campaign.  To be clear, every single GMA contribution to the campaign and the original source of those funds (including detailed lists of companies and dollar amounts) has been reported to the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission.

"I-522 is a costly proposal that will mislead consumers, raise the price of food for Washington families and do nothing to improve food safety."

Based in Washington, D.C., the Grocery Manufacturers Association is the voice of more than 300 leading food, beverage and consumer product companies that sustain and enhance the quality of life for hundreds of millions of people in the United States and around the globe.

Founded in 1908, GMA is an active, vocal advocate for its member companies and a trusted source of information about the industry and the products consumers rely on and enjoy every day.  The association and its member companies are committed to meeting the needs of consumers through product innovation, responsible business practices and effective public policy solutions developed through a genuine partnership with policymakers and other stakeholders.

In keeping with its founding principles, GMA helps its members produce safe products through a strong and ongoing commitment to scientific research, testing and evaluation and to providing consumers with the products, tools and information they need to achieve a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.  The food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry in the United States generates sales of $2.1 trillion annually, employs 14 million workers and contributes $1 trillion in added value to the economy every year.

SOURCE Grocery Manufacturers Association