The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) Issued the Following Statement by Its...

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) Issued the Following Statement by
Its President and CEO, Pamela G. Bailey, in Response to Draft Food Safety
Legislation Released Today by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman,
Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA)

WASHINGTON, May 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Food safety is our number one
priority and we share the broad goals of the draft legislation released today
by Chairman Waxman. The bill contains many of GMA's food safety proposals,
and we look forward to working with the Chairman to enact food safety
legislation that makes prevention of contamination the foundation of our food
safety strategies.

"At the urging of industry and consumer groups, Congress has already increased
food safety spending from $439 million to $649 million over the last three
years. If Congress enacts the FY 2010 request proposed by FDA and the Obama
Administration, FDA's food safety appropriations would increase to $783
million - an increase of more than 78% in just four years. Those appropriated
funds would allow the FDA to more frequently inspect every food manufacturing
facility in the nation. We are concerned that the draft legislation released
today by Chairman Waxman proposes significant new fees on food companies and
ultimately consumers at a time when they can least afford it and in the face
of an unprecedented increase in appropriated funding for FDA food safety
activities. In addition, like many consumer groups, we are concerned about the
inherent conflict of interest created by asking industry to fund government
inspections. We are also concerned about provisions that increase the cost of
food without improving the safety of the food supply.

"Industry and government both have unique and important roles when it comes to
food safety. Because consumer confidence is the foundation of everything we
do, manufacturers take food safety very seriously and invest their reputations
and resources in producing safe products. Likewise, strong government
oversight is a critical and necessary part of our nation's food safety net.

"Our industry is increasing its investment in food safety and is prepared to
make additional investments to continually improve the safety of our food
supplies. We look forward to working with the Committee to enact food safety
legislation that boosts consumer confidence and addresses the challenges posed
by today's global and complex food supply."

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) represents the world's leading
food, beverage and consumer products companies. The association promotes
sound public policy, champions initiatives that increase productivity and
growth and helps to protect the safety and security of the food supply through
scientific excellence. The GMA board of directors is comprised of chief
executive officers from the association's member companies. The $2.1 trillion
food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry employs 14 million
workers, and contributes over $1 trillion in added value to the nation's
economy. For more information, visit the GMA Web site at www.gmaonline.org.

SOURCE Grocery Manufacturers Association

Scott Openshaw, +1-202-295-3957, or Brian Kennedy, +1-202-639-5994, both of
the Grocery Manufacturers Association