ARLINGTON, VA — July 29, 2009 — The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) issued the following statement from Leslie G. Sarasin, president and chief executive officer, regarding the U.S. House of Representatives’ vote today on the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 (H.R. 2749).

“Although the majority of the House of Representatives voted in favor of the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009, we are disappointed the legislation did not pass as a result of the House rules process in place for this particular vote, which required approval by two-thirds of those voting. We urge the House of Representatives to consider the bill under regular order, which requires a simple majority.”

“This bill endows the Food and Drug Administration with new powers such as mandatory recall authority, which will improve its ability to safeguard the food supply. We support the measure’s recognition of fully accredited third-party food safety certification programs and the need to develop traceability initiatives that build on industry efforts already underway.”

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