NAM, Industry Groups Call for National Uniformity for Food and Beverage Policy

The NAM and other groups representing food and beverage manufacturers are calling on Congress to enact a federal framework for regulations that can override the tangle of competing state policies and help improve consumer confidence in food regulatory system.

• Led by Americans for Ingredient Transparency, the groups sent their message to Congress last week.

The ask: “Congress has a unique opportunity to address consumer concerns through a science-based federal framework that reinforces public trust while preserving a safe, affordable, and reliable food supply,” the groups wrote.

• Meanwhile, “Without a clear federal framework, states will continue to fill the policy vacuum with divergent ingredient review, use, labeling, and disclosure requirements that undermine the national consistency consumers, regulators, and food producers depend upon.”

The details: The federal framework should meet five broad requirements, according to the groups:

• Establish a single national standard for ingredient review, use and labeling
• Enshrine the FDA’s position as the primary federal authority on food ingredient safety and regulation
• Help provide more information to American consumers by employing science-based policies that are consistent in all states
• Modernize a risk-based Generally Recognized as Safe framework
• Help make safe, nutritious food and beverages more affordable and available, while enhancing supply chain resilience

The legislative outlook: In a positive sign for manufacturers, Senate HELP Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy recently pledged to create “a national uniform standard for food regulations rather than a patchwork of widely different state laws” (Punchbowl, subscription).

The last word: “We appreciate your leadership and stand ready to work with you to develop bipartisan legislation that strengthens consumer trust, reinforces FDA’s central role, and ensures the continued safety, affordability, and reliability of the American food supply,” the groups concluded.

Further reading: Learn more about the NAM’s policy recommendations for a uniform standard for food regulation here.