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Trade Groups Call For Stronger FDA

A group of 10 industry trade associations on Friday sent letters to the House and Senate calling on the U.S. Government to “modernize our food safety net,” particularly with regard to imports.

WASHNGTON — A group of 10 industry trade associations on Friday sent letters to the House and Senate calling on the U.S. Government to “modernize our food safety net,” particularly with regard to imports. The letters asked Congress to:

• Require overseas manufacturers to document risks and controls in their operations.

• Build the capacity of foreign governments to monitor food safety.

• Give the Food and Drug Administration the authority to establish safety standards for certain fruits and vegetables.

• Adopt a risk-based approach to inspections, focusing on the facilities, both domestic and abroad, that pose the greatest danger of contamination.

• Give the FDA the power to authorize mandatory recalls when a company has refused a voluntary recall “and there is a significant risk to public health.”

“We urge Congress to quickly enact food safety reforms that will give FDA new powers to reduce the risk of foodborne illness,” the groups concluded.

The letters were signed by American Frozen Food Institute, Food Marketing Institute, Grocery Manufacturers Association, International Bottled Water Association, International Dairy Foods Association, National Fisheries Institute, National Restaurant Association, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Snack Food Association, and United Fresh.

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TAGS: Food Safety