GMA and NFPA Oppose Food Safety Legislation

In response to a news conference held on March 31, 1998 announcing the introduction of the "Consumer Food Safety Act of 1998," both the Grocery Manufacturers of American (GMA) and the National Food Processors Association (NFPA) took issue with the proposed legislation.

The GMA called it an example of "Chicken Little" tactics designed to alarm consumers, while ignoring the initiatives taken by the food industry to combat food-borne illnesses.

Dr. Steve Ziller, GMA's vice president of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs said, "We would urge the sponsors of the "Consumer Food Safety Act" to tour one of America's state-of-the-art food manufacturing facilities. The employees in those plants take great pride in ensuring the food they process is safe, not just for America's consumers, but for their families and children."

Kelly Johnston, executive vice president of Government Affairs and Communications for NFPA said, "Instead of providing greater consumer protection-as the bill's name implies-this legislation is likely to mislead consumers into thinking that further extending government authority can solve all food safety problems. This is clearly not the case."

"If enacted, this legislation would represent one of the most expensive government jobs program in recent memory, but with no real benefit to consumers."

"For 90 years, our food safety system has been built on the policy that food companies-not government-have the primary responsibility for the safety and integrity of the foods they produce. Nearly every food safety advancement in modern times, including HACCP, has been developed by the food industry, not by government.

NFPA is the voice of the $430 billion food processing industry on scientific and public policy issues involving food safety, nutrition, technical and regulatory matters and consumer affairs.

GMA is the world's largest association of food, beverage and consumer brand companies. Representing global marketers, GMA speaks for food and consumer brand manufacturers at the state, federal and international levels on legislative and regulatory issues.

Edited by Pam Ahlberg