The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) announced yesterday that it is urging the Obama Administration to issue four food safety rules, part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), that have been delayed for more than two months. The rules were due on January 4, 2012, one year after the President signed FSMA into law.
Food Poisoning Bulletin has reported before on the FDA missing deadlines implementing FSMA.
In February, the White House announced an extension for the new proposals, with no estimated date of completion. The rules are held in the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
The regulations deal with:
- Preventive controls for food
- Preventive controls for animal feed
- Produce safety
- Imported food safety
Chris Waldrop, of CFA’s Food Policy Institute, said:
On behalf of CFA’s nearly 300 members, we urge the Administration to immediately issue these important food safety proposals. The longer these proposals are delayed, the longer it will take to fulfill the promise of the Food Safety Modernization Act, which is intended to better protect consumers from foodborne illness.
Congress granted FDA essential new food safety authorities aimed at preventing foodborne illness and protecting consumers. But consumers won’t be adequately protected if FDA’s proposals are stuck in review.
