ARLINGTON, Va. — Food Marketing Institute here yesterday said it supported the markup of the Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

“The most important goal of America’s retailers and wholesalers is to provide nutritious, safe, high quality and affordable food," said Leslie G. Sarasin, FMI president and chief executive officer. "It is important that any legislation address these issues and restore public confidence in the safety of our food supply. We believe S. 510, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, achieves these goals."

Pamela G. Bailey, president and CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers Association, Washington, said the bill will provide the FDA with "the resources and authorities the agency needs to help make prevention the focus of our food safety strategies."

“We look forward to working with the Senate to pass comprehensive food safety legislation,” she said.

The bill has some changes from the version that was first introduced in March, including grants to support state food-safety agencies, efforts to help the FDA and U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperate on organic standards, and language designed to help state and federal agencies work together, according to reports.

The original bill focuses on expanding the Food and Drug Administration's authority in four key areas: foodborne illness prevention; foodborne illness detection and response; food defense capabilities; and overall resources.

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