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FMI testifies on import safety bill

28-Sep-2007 by The Tortilla Guy

FDA WASHINGTON--During a House subcommittee meeting here Sept. 26, The Food Marketing Institute voiced several concerns regarding the proposed Food and Drug Import Safety Act--a bill introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives Sept. 20 by Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich.

The member-owned trade organization opposes some of the bill's main components including user fees on imports, country-of-origin labeling and restrictions on ports of entry for food items, according to an FMI prepared statement. FMI said these measures would be expensive for retailers and consumers alike.

"This effort must include how food retailers and wholesalers work with suppliers, our commitment to train our own people and our outreach to consumers," said Jill Hollingsworth, FMI Vice President of Food Safety Programs, in a written testimony. "It is a domestic and an international problem that the industry and government must address together."

Other provisions of the bill (H.R. 3610) include mandatory recall authority by the FDA, rapid tests to monitor the safety of imported foods and continuing the operation of all FDA field laboratories.

Arlington, Va.-based FMI represents 1,500 food retailers and wholesalers around the world.

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