WASHINGTON, DC — February 16, 2005 — Food Marketing Institute (FMI) congratulates Lester Crawford on his nomination as Commissioner of Food and Drugs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and applauds the Bush administration for its support of a globally respected industry veteran.
     

“FMI is very pleased to congratulate Les Crawford on his nomination to this critical HHS post,” stated FMI President and CEO Tim Hammonds. “His healthcare expertise and broad experience within the federal government and academia make him an impeccable candidate.
     

“FMI and its members look forward to working with Mr. Crawford on the many important food, pharmacy and healthcare issues facing our industry.”
     

Crawford is a former commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and he has worked extensively in the areas of nutrition policy and healthcare. His nomination has been endorsed by President Bush and HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt.