Government Liaison Meeting Attendees - Washington, DC | February 24-25, 2020
Current Regulatory Actions:
Today there are more issues than ever facing our industry – bioterrorism, allergens, GMO’s, irradiation, pathogens, changes in inspection brought about by the Food Safety Modernization Act, and other food safety issues. Current issues before FSIS and FDA include:
Natural Labeling
NSMA advocates for clear definitions and consistency between agencies. See Comments Submitted by NSMA to FDA regarding the use of the term "natural" in the labeling of human food products in response to the Agencies request for Information and Comments.
Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 (H.R. 1599)
NSMA is a member of the Coalition for Safe Affordable Food. On July 23, 2015, the U.S. House of Representatives passed this bill. See NSMA Letter urging Congressmen to vote in support of the bill. On October 21, 2015 The Senate Ag Committee held a hearing on Biotechnology. NSMA Members have access to the Briefing Packet prepared by the CFSAF. Additionally, NSMA has developed a document outlining the Status of Genetically Engineered Food for our Members. See our Position Statement on Genetic Engineering.
Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011
Accreditation of Third-Party Auditors/Certification Bodies to Conduct Food Safety Audits and to Issue Certifications. See Comments Submitted by NSMA
Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food
Advocates for increasing the ingredients that may be present in seasoning blends that may be irradiated. Also advocates for increasing the percentage of other ingredients that may be present in seasoning blends above the present limit of 2%.
Harmonization of Labeling
Advocates for labeling consistency between FDA and FSIS.
Amenability
Advocates higher ratios of meat and poultry products in seasoning blends before requiring FSIS inspection of manufacturing facility.
All NSMA Members have complete access to our NSMA Regulatory Manual - a reference guide to policy documents and regulatory perspectives impacting the seasoning Industry.
