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© 2010 Grocery Manufacturers Association 1350 I (eye) Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005 ph 202.639.5900 :: fx 202.639.5932 :: info@gmabrands.com :: privacy statement :: comments/feedback :: |
July 26, 2006, Washington, D.C. – In advance of the July 27 Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing on the National Uniformity for Food Act (S. 3128), the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) applauded the committee’s decision to host a public hearing on the bill and urged the Senate to quickly consider and pass the legislation.
“GMA commends the Senate HELP Committee for hosting tomorrow’s hearing, which will examine the merits of National Uniformity for Food Act,” said C. Manly Molpus, GMA president and CEO. “As longtime supporters of this legislation, we believe this hearing will set the record straight on the intent and scope of the bill, and demonstrate to the Senate and the American public that this common-sense bill deserves to be passed on its merits.”
S. 3128 will provide for nationally uniform food safety standards and warning labels on packaged foods under the purview of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, S. 3128 specifically preserves the critical food safety functions of state governments, including enforcement, sanitation inspections, licensing and protection of public health in the event of food emergencies or terrorist threats.
During the hearing, members of the HELP Committee will hear expert testimony from several witnesses, including Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), a co-sponsor of the bill; William Stadtlander, owner of Homestat Farms; Peter Barton Hutt, senior counselor at Covington & Burling, and former chief counsel for the FDA; and Dr. Elsa Murano, dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, and former under secretary for food safety of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“Consumers in the United States have access to the safest food supply in the world thanks in large part to the joint efforts of state and federal food safety officials. The National Uniformity for Food Act will enhance that partnership while at the same time providing all consumers with consistent, science-based food safety information. We urge the Senate to quickly consider and pass this vital piece of legislation,” concluded Molpus.
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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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© 2010 Grocery Manufacturers Association 1350 I (eye) Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005 ph 202.639.5900 :: fx 202.639.5932 :: info@gmabrands.com :: privacy statement :: comments/feedback :: |