Congress Passes Food Safety Bill

SN STAFF

WASHINGTON — Food retailers and manufacturers applauded the passage Tuesday of the Food and Drug Association Food Safety Modernization Act, which provides new powers and more resources to the FDA for the protection of the nation's food supply.

The measure, which cleared the House 215-144 Tuesday, had previously passed through Congress but had to be resubmitted because of procedural errors.

“Food retailers and wholesalers believe that given today’s global marketplace, it is critical to provide the FDA with the authority to recall products when necessary," said Leslie G. Sarasin, president and chief executive officer, Food Marketing Institute. "We also support the use of third-party certification programs and requiring food safety plans for every company manufacturing food. Our customers deserve to have the industry and government working together to ensure the safety of our food supply. We look forward to President Obama signing this bill as law."

"We applaud the House for passing The Food Safety Modernization Act – this landmark legislation provides FDA with the resources and authorities the agency needs to help strengthen our nation’s food safety system by making prevention the focus of our food safety strategies," said Pamela G. Bailey, president and CEO, Grocery Manufacturers Association.