ARLINGTON, VA -- November 24, 2010 -- In a letter today to Senator Harry Reid and Senator Mitch McConnell, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) on behalf of America’s food retailers and manufacturers, called for the passage of S. 510, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act.

In the attached joint letter from GMA President and CEO, Pamela G. Bailey and FMI President and CEO, Leslie Sarasin, the Senate is urged to pass this important bipartisan legislation. The letter also applauds the Senators Reid and McConnell for their efforts to permit consideration of the bill when to Senate returns next week.

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act will provide FDA with the resources and authorities the agency needs to help strengthen our nation’s food safety system by making prevention the focus of our food safety strategies. The Senate should vote on this important, bipartisan bill as early as possible during the lame duck session.

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act will enhance public health and safety by:

•          Requiring all food companies to develop a food safety plan

•          Adopting a risk-based approach to inspection

•          Improving the safety of imported food and food ingredients