Industry Responds to Produce Bill
y groups are vocally questioning the need for the proposed Fruit and Vegetable Safety Act, sponsored by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa).
"Our main concern is about the tone of the language used to introduce the bill," wrote Bryan Silbermann, president of the Produce marketing Association, Newark, Del., in his letter to Harkin. "Frightening consumers away from fresh produce does a disservice to them. It is decreasing consumption that risks consumers' health."
Harkin's bill would require fresh-cut companies to follow certain best practices, and would permit the Food and Drug Administration to inspect production facilities both domestic and international.
Edith Garrett, president of the International Fresh-Cut Produce Association, Alexandria, Va., expressed disappointment that the produce industry "was not consulted" on the bill before it was introduced.
The United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, also based in Alexandria, also found fault with the legislation, noting that the industry already works on several levels with government regulators on the issue of product safety.
PMA's Silbermann likewise pointed out that the industry's food-safety efforts already include working with government agencies, establishing more stringent intra-industry guidelines and participating in public awareness campaigns in supermarkets.
