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HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES NATIONAL UNIFORMITY FOR FOOD ACT
220 Members of Congress Co-Sponsor Legislation to Strengthen National Food Safety Standards


Dec. 15, 2005, Washington, D.C. – The House Energy & Commerce Committee today voted in favor of the “National Uniformity for Food Act” (H.R. 4167) by a vote of 30-18. Introduced by Congressmen Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) and Edolphus Towns (D-N.Y.), the bill is endorsed by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA).

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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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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