AWMA sent a strong letter of opposition to Rep. John Dingell (D-MI), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, regarding food safety legislation Rep. Dingell is introducing.  The draft legislation, as proposed by the chairman, would impact distributors by creating a registry of all food facilities serving American consumers and requiring payment of a $2,000 fee for such registration.  The purpose of the fee for registration is to “generate resources to support FDA oversight of food safety” and it is this provision that sparked AWMA’s rapid response in opposition.

While this issue is still in its infancy in terms of legislative proposals – AWMA believes it is imperative that we make our concerns known from the start to ensure the best interests of distributors are promoted.  In the letter to Chairman Dingell, AWMA stated, “While we share your commitment to ensuring food safety, placing a $2,000 tax on each food facility to finance FDA operations is a significant step in the wrong direction.  Indeed, such taxes levied upon food facilities will likely raise food prices, dramatically increasing food costs that are already at an all time high.  AWMA believes that any increases in the FDA budget should come from Congressional appropriations or from general tax revenue – not from tax revenue imposed upon food facilities.”

Hearings were held recently on this issue although no mark-up of legislation pertaining to this issue has yet been scheduled.  AWMA will continue to monitor this issue closely and report to members on any new developments.  Any member wishing to make their views known on this issue may visit our Web site at www.awmanet.org and simply click on the “government affairs” button to send a pre-written letter to their lawmakers.