ABA has filed a citizen petition with seven other trade associations to exempt from compliance or modify the requirements for facilities that are solely engaged in the storage of packaged foods that are not exposed to the environment. “This petition is helpful for bakers of all sizes – large, small and independent family bakers as well as for other food industry sectors,” said ABA President and CEO Robb MacKie.
The petition notes that Congress specified that FDA implement the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in a manner that acknowledges different levels of risk posed by various operations. ABA’s petition embraces the intended risk-based regulatory approach being mindful that the public health benefit must justify the cost of compliance. “At a time when FDA resources are stretched, the baking industry is stepping up to provide an efficient, productive approach to implementing FSMA so that FDA can focus its resources on higher risk issues,” said ABA Senior Vice President, Government Relations and Public Affairs Lee Sanders.
ABA greatly appreciates the support of its petition partners including: the American Frozen Food Institute; Grocery Manufacturers of America; International Bottled Water Association; International Dairy Foods Association; International Warehouse Logistics Association; Peanut and Tree Nut Association; and Snack Food Association.
Specifically the citizen petition:
•Applies to facilities registered under the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) Subsection 415
•Applies to facilities where access is restricted
•Applied to facilities do not engage in further packing, labeling, processing or manufacturing activities that expose product to the environment
•Covers product is transported from the facility to the purchaser
•Provides examples of short term warehouse facilities that are crucial to a number of food sectors
Subsequent to filing the petition, ABA met with FDA Deputy Commissioner for Foods Mike Taylor, J.D., and his senior team to discuss FSMA policy issues including preventative controls, import and inspection compliance. ABA and several of its petition partners, took this opportunity to discuss the petition. ABA will continue leading the dialogue with FDA to move the petition forward.
To review the petition, click here.
About the American Bakers Association:
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the Washington D.C.-based voice of the wholesale baking industry. Since 1897, ABA has represented the interests of bakers before the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory authorities. ABA advocates on behalf of more than 700 baking facilities and baking company suppliers. ABA members produce bread, rolls, crackers, bagels, sweet goods, tortillas and many other wholesome, nutritious, baked products for America’s families. The baking industry generates more than $70 billion in economic activity annually and employs close to half a million highly skilled people.
Source: American Bakers Association