ARLINGTON, VA — December 21, 2010 — The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) praised the U.S. House of Representatives today for passing the Food Safety Modernization Act by a vote of 215 to 144.

     “For the past several months, there has been one constant related to strengthening our food safety system: strong bi-partisan support to improve food safety in America. The results of multiple votes on the Food Safety Modernization Act have been overwhelmingly in favor of improving our nation’s food safety system and preventing problems before they occur,” said FMI President and Chief Executive Officer Leslie G. Sarasin.

     “Food retailers and wholesalers believe that given today’s global marketplace, it is critical to provide the FDA with the authority to recall products when necessary. We also support the use of third-party certification programs and the requirement that every food manufacturer or producer develop and employ food safety plans. Our customers deserve to have the industry and government working together to ensure the safety of our food supply.

     We look forward to having President Obama sign this bill in to law and welcome the enhanced measures to protect our food supply for our customers.”