With the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee public hearing on the National Food Uniformity Act due to be held today (27 July), food industry bodies have put their weight behind the act, urging the Senate to pass it swiftly.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association, representing leading branded manufacturers, has said that the bill would provide nationally uniform food safety standards and warning labels on packaged foods. Additionally, the GMA said, the act would preserve the food safety functions of state governments.
“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,” C. Manly Molpus, GMA president and CEO.
“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.
Meanwhile, the largest trade association serving the food and beverage industry in the US and worldwide, the Food Products Association, has also voiced its strong support for the bill.
Cal Dooley, president and CEO of the FPA, said: “FPA strongly supports the National Uniformity for Food Act because it will help ensure that all consumers, regardless of where they reside, will be provided with the same, accurate, science-based food safety information.
“This bill is a commonsense piece of legislation that is in the best interests of consumers, and we urge the members of the HELP Committee to support it.”
