With the strong bi-partisan support of 220 members of Congress, the legislation will provide all consumers with accurate, consistent information about food safety. H.R. 4167 recognizes the important roles of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the states play in guaranteeing the safety of the U.S. food supply. Relying on the best science available to state and federal governments, the National Uniformity for Food Act will harmonize existing state and federal laws to create a uniform system for all food safety standards and warning labels. Additionally, the legislation ensures that state governments retain their enforcement authority, assuring that they can continue to act quickly in the event of a food safety emergency.

“Regardless of which state they live, all consumers deserve to have the same information about the safety of their foods. By relying on the best science available, the National Uniformity for Food Act will do just that,” said GMA Vice President of Federal Affairs Susan Stout.

Congress has long recognized the importance of setting nationally uniform food standards. For example, Congress passed the “National Labeling and Education Act of 1990” to provide consumers with consistent nutrition information on all packaged foods and beverages. Other bills enacted to ensure uniform national food standards include the “Food Quality Protection Act of 1996,” the “Poultry Products Inspection Act” and the “Meat Inspection Act.”

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