NEWS RELEASE

Committee on Energy and Commerce
Rep. John D. Dingell, Chairman

Dingell on Grocery Manufacturers Association Food Safety Action Plan

Washington, D.C. – Rep. John D. Dingell (D-MI), Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, released the following statement today in response to the Grocery Manufacturers Association’s (GMA) unveiling of its food safety plan, Commitment to Consumers: The Four Pillars of Food Safety. The plan calls for stronger federal oversight of the nation’s food supply, as well as tougher standards for imported foods and increased collaboration with foreign governments.

“The GMA’s report confirms that more can and must be done to improve the safety of our nation’s food supply,” said Dingell. “It’s encouraging to see the food industry examining current practices and supporting reform, and I look forward to working with industry leaders to strengthen safety standards. It is my strong belief that the implementation of a user fee is an important first step toward safeguarding the health of consumers and improving public confidence in America’s food supply.”

Dingell released draft legislation in early August that proposed a user fee on imported food and drug shipments. Funds generated by the fee would be used to hire additional personnel at both the U.S. border and FDA labs to increase inspections. Funds would also be used to test import samples and research new testing techniques. Dingell’s bill will be formally introduced this week. The draft legislation is posted on the Committee website at: http://energycommerce.house.gov.

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