NASDA Urges Opposition to Food Uniformity Bill
News Date February 28, 2006
This week, NASDA is urging congressional lawmakers to oppose the "National Uniformity in for Food Act" (H.R. 4167) that would preempt state and local food safety regulations and policies. The legislation is scheduled for a vote in the House of Representatives on March 2.
H.R. 4167 was introduced last October by Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) and has more than 200 cosponsors. The food industry and bill supporters have been pushing for action on the bill, although no hearings have been held. NASDA has urged Congress to hold hearings and seek input from state and local officials in the food safety system.
The general intent of the legislation is to provide uniform food safety warnings and notifications. However, the state departments of agriculture are concerned that H.R. 4167 goes far beyond this purpose and expands federal preemption under the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act. Specifically, NASDA believes the bill will threaten existing state food safety programs such as those related to Grade A milk, retail food protection, and shellfish sanitation. Two of NASDA's affiliate organizations have strongly opposed the legislation the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) and the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
NASDA sent a letter to members of the House on February 27 urging lawmakers to vote against the bill. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)