At a time when many consumers take great pride in purchasing products that are “Made in America,” State Senator Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, is urging the federal government to remove products from its website that are not truly American-produced.

Griffo represents the 47th Senate District. It includes a swath running through the middle of St. Lawrence County, from Massena to Fine, including Potsdam.

In a letter sent to Administrator Denise Turner Roth of the U.S. General Services Administration, Senator Griffo is asking for a thorough review of the “Made in America” designation for all products listed on the GSA’s Advantage website. If any product is found not to be made in America, then they should be taken off the GSA’s website, Senator Griffo urged.

Improperly labeled products can have a negative impact on other businesses that honestly promote their American-made local products, like Sherrill Manufacturing, Senator Griffo wrote. This Central New York business’ “Liberty Tabletop” flatware brand depends upon the uniqueness of its high-quality, American-made product, and so it is proud of its listing on the GSA Advantage website as “Made in: United States of America.”

But businesses such as Sherrill Manufacturing lose their advantage when other companies’ products are not made in America, yet they wrongfully receive that designation on the GSA Advantage website, Senator Griffo wrote.

“I implore you to direct an examination of the 'Made in America' designation of these items on the GSA Advantage website, and remove those products that do not belong on that list,” Senator Griffo’s letter reads. “American companies, such as Sherrill Manufacturing, want – and deserve – a fair and balanced playing field, and the GSA should conduct a timely and thorough review of the list of American-made flatware on its website.”