FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GMA Strongly Supports FDA Decision on the Irradiation of Fresh Produce for Food-borne Pathogen Control
Contact:
Scott Openshaw, Director, Communications, 202-295-3957
Brian Kennedy, Director, Communications, 202-639-5994
August 22, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Dr. Robert Brackett, chief science officer for the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) decision to allow ionizing radiation to be used for controlling food-borne pathogens in fresh iceberg lettuce and fresh spinach:
“This decision by FDA is a very significant step forward in helping to improve the safety of fresh produce. This technology is simply one more tool that industry will have at its disposal to provide consumers with safe food products. However, the adoption of this technology cannot in any way serve as a substitute for industry adherence to good agricultural and sanitary practices that are so essential to maintaining a safe food supply. GMA has been an outspoken advocate for making these good agricultural practices mandatory and today’s announcement in no way alters that position.
“As the original sponsor of the petition to FDA on this matter, we strongly support the agency’s decision. There is overwhelming scientific evidence supporting the safety of food irradiation. In addition to the FDA, the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Medical Association all agree that more than 50 years of research demonstrate that, at approved doses, low-dose food irradiation presents no health risk. This technology will provide consumers with the option to purchase fresh produce that has been made even safer while also retaining its original quality and texture.”
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Based in Washington, D.C., the Grocery Manufacturers Association is the voice of more than 300 leading food, beverage and consumer product companies that sustain and enhance the quality of life for hundreds of millions of people in the United States and around the globe. Founded in 1908, GMA is an active, vocal advocate for its member companies and a trusted source of information about the industry and the products consumers rely on and enjoy every day. The association and its member companies are committed to meeting the needs of consumers through product innovation, responsible business practices and effective public policy solutions developed through a genuine partnership with policymakers and other stakeholders. In keeping with its founding principles, GMA helps its members produce safe products through a strong and ongoing commitment to scientific research, testing and evaluation and to providing consumers with the products, tools and information they need to achieve a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. The food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry in the United States generates sales of $2.1 trillion annually, employs 14 million workers and contributes $1 trillion in added value to the economy every year.
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