Food Safety Legislation: New Laws Generate Lobbying Frenzy

December 13, 2010 in Food & Beverage Industry Information

 

 

According to a recent article by The Washington Post, the Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act has generated plenty of lobbyist activity.  Since the bill was introduced at the beginning of last year, at least 221 industry organizations have hired 77 lobbying shops to represent their interests.

Spurred by a series of nationwide food recalls and outbreaks of food-borne illness, the food safety bill would give the FDA considerably more authority over the industry in order to reduce outbreaks of food-borne illness.

Smaller, more specialized firms with insider knowledge of the FDA and the Agricultural Department were in high demand to lobby on the overhaul.  In fact, some industry organizations and corporations hired multiple lobbying firms to represent their interests – because the stakes are so high.

And their work is not done.  Lawmakers are now quibbling over the constitutionality of Senate language that imposes fees on companies for recalled food.  The procedural glitch could ultimately force the Senate to vote on a new version of the bill during the current lame-duck session – and potentially push the legislation to the next Congress.

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