ARLINGTON, VA – FMI – The Food Industry Association, commends the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recently released “New Era of Smarter Food Safety” blueprint that outlines a new approach to food safety. President and Chief Executive Officer, Leslie G. Sarasin, offered comment on the agency’s new plan: 

“The New Era of Smarter Food Safety Blueprint provides an innovative approach to food safety, one that recognizes and builds on the progress made in the past but looks toward the processes and tools that will be needed for the future.  

“Within the food industry, we continue to witness how rapidly business models are changing; any new frameworks should be broad in nature and be adaptable with evolving business practices. It’s critical that this new plan focuses on outcomes; leverages existing tools; increases communications with and among stakeholders; accounts for our variable resources and abilities; and provides uniformity that amplifies success. 

“On behalf of the retailers, wholesalers, product suppliers and other stakeholders within the FMI membership, I thank FDA for its leadership in designing a plan that creates a more digital, traceable and safer food system. We look forward to working with the agency on the implementation of its Smarter Food Safety plan."