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[  Printable Version]


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUND SCIENCE MUST DRIVE EPA RULES ON PESTICIDE USAGE, NOT POLITICAL ACTIVISM, SAYS GMA


Contact:
Scott Openshaw, Director, Communications, 202-295-3957
Brian Kennedy, Director, Communications, 202-639-5994

WASHINGTON, DC, April 8, 1998 - The Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA) today urged the Clinton Administration to apply the best science available for consumer protection as it implements pesticide provisions of the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996.

Vice President Gore has directed the Environmental Protection Agency to use discretion as it issues regulations on the use of particular pesticides based on the law overwhelmingly passed by Congress and signed by President Clinton.

"Sound science really needs to drive the implementation of this landmark law, not political activism," said Dr. Stephen Ziller, GMA Vice President, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs. "It is crucial for EPA to allow time for submission of data required by FQPA implementation. We must not prematurely rush to eliminate pesticides needed to sustain our current food supply and for which there are no practical alternatives."

GMA and dozens of other food and agriculture groups have expressed concern that EPA is too strictly interpreting residue levels for pesticides that help protect food products from insects that can severely harm crops and produce. Members of Congress have also expressed concern.

"EPA must take the time to review complete scientific data on pesticides before issuing rules and regulations," added Dr. Ziller. "Alarmist hype should never replace quality scientific review and risk assessment, especially when it concerns the safety and availability of our food supply."

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Based in Washington, D.C., the Grocery Manufacturers Association is the voice of more than 300 leading food, beverage and consumer product companies that sustain and enhance the quality of life for hundreds of millions of people in the United States and around the globe.

Founded in 1908, GMA is an active, vocal advocate for its member companies and a trusted source of information about the industry and the products consumers rely on and enjoy every day. The association and its member companies are committed to meeting the needs of consumers through product innovation, responsible business practices and effective public policy solutions developed through a genuine partnership with policymakers and other stakeholders.

In keeping with its founding principles, GMA helps its members produce safe products through a strong and ongoing commitment to scientific research, testing and evaluation and to providing consumers with the products, tools and information they need to achieve a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. The food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry in the United States generates sales of $2.1 trillion annually, employs 14 million workers and contributes $1 trillion in added value to the economy every year.


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