FMI Statement on Hearing by House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health Food Safety

ARLINGTON, VA — June 3, 2009 — The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) issued the following statement from Leslie G. Sarasin, president and chief executive officer, regarding today’s hearing by the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health about the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009.


“Today’s testimony by Mike Ambrosio, Vice President of Quality Assurance at Wakefern Food Corporation, showcases the more than 30 years he has dedicated to improving food safety. He represents the commitment of all FMI members to this singular priority.”


“FMI supports many policy initiatives in the draft Food Safety Enhancement Act legislation because they are clearly intended to prevent problems in the food supply before they ever occur. Preventing food safety problems from occurring by mitigating risk must be the guiding principle for changes.”


“FMI seeks for federal agencies to focus their attention and manpower on prevention programs to ensure that America’s food is safe before it reaches grocery store shelves. This includes: adopting risk-based systems; expanding use of third-party certification programs; requiring mandatory recall authority; enhancing traceability; and, requiring food safety plans of every company manufacturing food.”


“Food retailers and wholesalers believe that given today’s global marketplace it is critical to provide the FDA with the necessary authority, credibility and resources to assure the safety of America’s food supply.”


Photos available upon request.

About FMI

As the food industry association, FMI works with and on behalf of the entire industry to advance a safer, healthier and more efficient consumer food supply chain. FMI brings together a wide range of members across the value chain — from retailers that sell to consumers, to producers that supply food and other products, as well as the wide variety of companies providing critical services — to amplify the collective work of the industry. www.FMI.org