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Food Products Association President and CEO Speaks Out in Support of National Uniformity Legislation

Posted on: Wednesday, 19 April 2006, 15:00 CDT

WASHINGTON, April 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Commenting on statements by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-California) and Barbara Boxer (D-California) and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in opposition to the "National Uniformity for Food Act," Cal Dooley, President and CEO of the Food Products Association (FPA), made the following comments:

"As a former U.S. Representative from California, I have great respect for Senators Feinstein and Boxer, and for Governor Schwarzenegger. But I must disagree with them on this issue. Consumers in all 50 states deserve consistent, science-based standards governing warning requirements associated with labeling, advertising and other forms of communication by food companies.

"The National Uniformity for Food Act, which recently passed the House of Representatives by a strong bipartisan majority, will provide consumers with the same accurate, science-based information on food safety, regardless of where they live.

"If national uniformity is adopted, a consumer will be able to pick a product off the grocery shelf in any state and will be able to read -- in addition to nutrition information such as the calories and nutrients found in the product -- consistent science-based warnings that have been reviewed and accepted by government health authorities. That's in the best interests of all consumers.

"Every day, consumers shop for food products that will end up on their family's dinner table. Uniform nutrition labels allow them to review nutrition information about food products and the ingredients a product contains. More than a decade ago, the Food and Drug Administration established national nutrition labeling requirements, which preempt differing requirements by states. Consumers in all fifty states, as well as food companies, have benefited from this consistent approach to nutrition labeling.

"National uniformity is not a new concept. When consumers purchase over- the-counter medicines, they get science-based warnings approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where necessary. Congress also has established uniform requirements for allergen labeling, meat and poultry standards, medical devices and pesticide tolerances. The National Uniformity for Food Act is a logical extension of this approach to consumer information.

"Relying on the best science available to state and federal governments, the Uniformity Bill provides for the review and harmonization of state food laws with Federal standards, so that states and the Federal government will work collaboratively to inform consumers, rather than maintaining differing requirements that can vary from state to state. This legislation creates a uniform, national system that recognizes the role of state and local governments in the regulation of food products and integrates them into a national system. And it will put food safety in the hands of the nation's top food scientists and food safety experts."

The Food Products Association is the largest trade association serving the food and beverage industry in the United States and worldwide. FPA's laboratory centers, scientists and professional staff provide technical and regulatory assistance to member companies and represent the food industry on scientific and public policy issues involving food safety, food security, nutrition, consumer affairs and international trade.

Food Products Association

CONTACT: Timothy Willard, +1-202-637-8060, or Brian Kennedy,+1-202-639-5994, both of Food Products Association

Web site: http://www.fpa-food.org/

Source: PRNewswire

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