News Room

FMI Applauds White House Working Group for Comprehensive Food Safety Plan

July 7, 2009
ARLINGTON, VA — July 7, 2009 — The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) issued the following statement from Leslie G. Sarasin, president and chief executive officer, regarding today’s meeting by the White House Food Safety Working Group.

“We fully support the extensive effort by the White House Food Safety Working Group to launch new and improved safety standards to protect Americans from foodborne illness. We are pleased that the White House will focus on prevention, rapid response and increased and improved communications as this is what will be the essential factors for ensuring food safety.”

"We look forward to working with FDA and USDA to implement the forthcoming White House standards for a national traceback system."

Food Marketing Institute (FMI) conducts programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations on behalf of its nearly 1,250 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world. FMI’s U.S. members operate more than 25,000 retail food stores and almost 22,000 pharmacies with a combined annual sales volume of nearly $650 billion.  FMI’s retail membership is composed of large multi-store chains, regional firms and independent operators. Its international membership includes 126 companies from more than 65 countries. FMI’s nearly 330 associate members include the supplier partners of its retail and wholesale members. 

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