News

Yesterday, the Department of Health and Human Services released a second installment of the Make America Healthy Again Commission’s strategy report, focusing on nutrition and vaccines, among other topics (NBC).

Industry response: The NAM and manufacturers cautioned that HHS’s approach undermines the administration’s regulatory agenda.

• “Manufacturers share the administration’s goals of safeguarding Americans’ health and safety,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “However, in light of this administration’s exceptional track record to drive a rebalanced regulatory agenda to strengthen manufacturing and benefit consumers, the commission’s strategy report is a shocking misstep.”

The risks: “Manufacturers are concerned that policies based on faulty information and misguided science could result in overly burdensome and ineffective regulatory proposals for manufacturers without making consumers safer,” Timmons continued.

• “If implemented, the strategy would harm manufacturers across the country and the consumers who benefit from an efficient, healthy and cost-effective supply chain.”
• “It also would add to the compliance burden that the administration has made so many great strides to unwind. Manufacturers in the U.S. shoulder nearly $350 million every year in compliance costs—capital that manufacturers would much rather invest in their facilities, their employees and their products—and this administration has been a key partner in alleviating that burden.”

Safety safeguarded: “Manufacturers throughout the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage supply chains prioritize Americans’ health and safety,” Timmons emphasized.

• “They comply with strict regulatory guidelines and lead with innovation to deliver safe and reliable products, ensure resilient and secure supply chains, safeguard health, preserve consumer choice and enhance accessibility and affordability.”

The bottom line: “Manufacturers are committed to working with the administration to ensure our industry can continue to deliver safe, innovative and affordable products to American families. But the strategy of the MAHA report will take America in the wrong direction.”

NAM in action: The NAM this week launched a new national ad showcasing the vital role that manufacturers throughout the food and beverage supply chain play in strengthening families, building communities and driving the nation forward—and, of course, providing safe and nutritious food.