FMI Applauds Congress for Passing Well-Crafted Bioterrorism Bill; Food Security Measures Well Targeted

WASHINGTON, DC — May 23, 2002 — The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) today applauded Congress for passing “a well-crafted bioterrorism measure that strengthens our ability to protect the nation from acts of terrorism,” said FMI Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, John J. Motley III. He made the statement after the Senate today followed the House’s lead in passing the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002.

“The measure is well targeted in improving food security,” Motley said, noting that it provides $545 million to the Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture to add hundreds of officials to inspect food at ports of entry.

“The bill also gives the FDA new powers to detail suspicious foods for inspection and to require prior notice of imports.

“The conferees who developed this measure also had the wisdom to eliminate the duplicative requirement that retail food be registered with the federal government, when stores are already registered in numerous ways at both state and local levels.

“The bill provides much-need funding to strengthen security in numerous areas, he added. “When combined with funds already approved, the total amount of funding for anti-bioterrorism legislation this year will exceed $4.6 billion.

“FMI will join with the entire food industry and government at all levels in making the best possible use of these funds.”