2007-12-11-FMI

Here is a letter that I sent to the FMI. If you haven't written them yet please do so and let them know that as consumers we need to finish the conversion. Feel free to use any part of my letter in composition of your letters.

I would like to know where the FMI currently stands on updating the FPLA to allow Metric Only Labeling? I would like to see manufactures have the option to label in Metric Only or dual if they want. I think industry should dictate when we need to make our conversion to the Metric System. I am a firm believer in the ease and simplicity of the Metric System and would like to see the change completed. I very much support amending the FPLA to allow manufactures to print Metric Only Labels. I work for a major Eastern US Supermarket company whose parent company is based in Belgium. I have the opportunity to make shelf signs for my store and I use only the Metric quantities on the signs. From my experience, I have noticed that most customers could care less one way or the other. Most customers like me are creatures of habit and buy a product based on needs not how much is stated on the label. I would like to see Metric Only on labels because I can make easy health comparisons and cost comparisons. I was taught mainly Metric in school during the 70's and 80's when we were supposed to be converting as a nation. When the conversion didn't happen as fast as hoped the school system gave us a brief course on customary units. If the FMI still opposes the Metric Only Labeling Option update to the FPLA, I would ask that you change your view and see that it is to the benefit of our economy and health and safety to allow companies the option. We can no longer be the 362 kg gorilla. We risk becoming an economic risk rather than the great economic super power that we once were. I am sure you are aware of the falling Dollar in the world market? Where our beloved Dollar used be used as the bench mark for the world economy, it is now becoming the Euro. By dropping your opposition to Metric Only Labeling, we can once again be the leaders in industry, trade and commerce and once again be the bench mark for the economy. Sincerely, Bruce M. Herbertson III