American Frozen Food Institute and Food Industry Leaders Urge Congress to Adopt Food Safety Reforms

McLean, VA – The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) joined with other major food industry organizations to urge Congressional leaders to quickly enact food safety reforms.

AFFI joined nine other food associations in signing a letter to House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman and Ranking Member Joe Barton, and a letter to Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Chairman Edward Kennedy and Ranking Member Michael Enzi. In the letter, the food organizations collectively outlined priorities that should be included when addressing food safety reforms.

“The safety of the nation’s food supply is of critical importance,” said AFFI Interim President Robert L. Garfield. “AFFI represents member companies across the frozen food supply chain, and supports a pragmatic approach to protect the consumer, as well as the food producer’s ability to provide them a quality, safe and nutritious product.”

In the letter from the food organizations, they urged the respective committees to enact food safety reforms which include: requiring food safety plans of food company manufacturers; requiring food importers to police their foreign suppliers; ensuring the safety of fruits and vegetables through empowering the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); adopting risk-based approach to inspections; and authorizing mandatory recalls through FDA.

“The time honored necessities of life are food, water and shelter, and we must keep pace with changing dynamics to ensure that the American food supply continues to be the safest in the world. We in the food industry look forward to working with Congress on these important reforms,” added Garfield.

On January 8, AFFI Interim President Robert Garfield sent a letter to all members of the House of Representatives and the Senate asking to work with them as the 111^th Congress opened. Food safety was among the top three legislative priorities Garfield outlined in his letter to Congress two weeks ago, reinforcing the importance of the issue to AFFI and its member companies.

The American Frozen Food Institute is the national trade association promoting and representing the interests of all segments of the frozen food industry. AFFI works to foster industry development and growth, and advocates before legislative and regulatory entities on the industry’s behalf. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.affi.com/.

###