News Room

Food Marketing Institute Urges Senate to Pass Bi-Partisan Food Safety Legislation Before Recess

September 20, 2010
ARLINGTON, VA — September 20, 2010 — The Food Marketing Institute released the following statement from Jennifer Hatcher, senior vice president of government relations:

“We are extremely disappointed that the U.S. Senate has announced that it will not take up the Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act before going to recess.

All of us — food industry, business groups, consumer groups — all believe this bi-partisan legislation should be passed by the Senate without further delay. This is a balanced bill focused on prevention. America’s consumers are counting on a public-private partnership to protect the safety of our food supply.   

The most important goal of America’s food retailers and wholesalers is to provide nutritious, safe, high-quality and affordable food. We all have a responsibility to work together to improve the safety of our food supply. We believe the focus should be on trying to prevent problems before they occur by providing FDA the necessary resources and authority to help the agency protect our food supply.

We commend the work done by Senators Durbin and Gregg, Chairman Harkin, Ranking Member Enzi and the others who played a vital role in creating a bipartisan bill. We will continue to urge the Senate to take up this very important legislation as soon as possible.”

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. 

###