CHICAGO -- Tommy G. Thompson, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, pledged to remain vigilant on food safety and retain the trust Americans have in their food supply during the FMI Show here last week.
In a speech delivered during the Speaks presentation, Thompson outlined what his agency was doing to improve safeguards in the food chain.
He also encouraged FMI members to embrace a healthy lifestyle, and set examples for healthy eating and living within their respective communities. "To continue to be leaders in your communities, you have to be healthy yourself and have your employees healthy," Thompson told the gathering.
He warned that in addition to food safety, the industry must be on guard and proactive when it comes to health prevention.
"You know there is no question the trial lawyers are looking over our shoulders and want to sue you and food manufacturers. Now that they have the tobacco industry, they are looking at their next target. Food is their next target," he said.
Thompson commended several manufacturers for their initiative in taking preventive measures on health issues.
He noted that Kraft Foods is eliminating marketing to schools, and is developing guidelines in its advertising and marketing practices as they relate to children. At the same time, Kraft is reformulating its existing product lines to be healthier, Thompson said.
Also, Coca-Cola is changing its policy on marketing soft drinks to children under 12. It's adding healthier beverage choices, promoting healthy activities through its "Step With It" program, and putting nutritional information on vending machines in schools, said Thompson. Coke is moving away from exclusive pouring contracts with big dollar advance payments, he added.
Thompson said Pepsi's "better for you and good for your products" account for 43% of its sales. "They are looking to go to 60%. When I asked Steve Reinemund [PepsiCo chairman and CEO] why, he said, 'That's where the future is. That's where the profits are, and that's where we are heading our company."'
Pepsi's "America on the Move" program promotes physical fitness. Pepsi was a co-sponsor of FMI's Healthy Living pavilion.
Thompson also commended Frito-Lay for eliminating trans fats from its snacks, and Unilever for eliminating trans fats from its margarines.
He described a collaborative program with HHS, Coca-Cola and Kraft Foods called Triple Play, an after-school health and wellness program that will be offered through the Boys & Girls Clubs of America beginning next year. Thompson said it is designed "to help young people make informed decisions about their physical, mental and social well-being. This initiative is the first of its kind developed in collaboration with my department."
Thompson also cited recent improvements and progress made in food safety, including:
Doubling the number of food inspectors up from 150 since Sept. 11, 2001.
Increasing the number of food port inspections from 60,000 last year to nearly 100,000 expected this year.
Decreasing the incidence of E. coli, which fell 36% last year over the previous year.
Implementing additional safeguards to prevent outbreaks of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) through better recordkeeping, and reducing the risks of contamination in the feed supply and banning diseased cows. Thompson said the ban on Specified Risk Material -- known to harbor the highest concentrations of the infectious agent for BSE -- will be extended to all foods, dietary supplements and cosmetics regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
"We are doing our part so you can be confident that the food you produce and the food you sell is safe and free of disease. That is what consumers expect from you and us," said Thompson.
