News Releases & Statements

American Beverage Association Applauds Congressional Leaders for Strengthening U.S. Food and Drug Administration Budget

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     
July 18, 2007 
         
Contacts:  
Tracey Halliday 
(202) 463-6718

Jessica Badger
(202) 463-6717

AMERICAN BEVERAGE ASSOCIATION APPLAUDS CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS FOR STRENGTHENING U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION BUDGET

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Beverage Association (ABA) today applauds Sen. Herbert Kohl, D-Wis., and Sen. Robert Bennett, R-Utah, for their commitment as leaders in the effort to strengthen the budget of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).   ABA supports increased appropriations for the Agency and, as members of the Coalition for a Stronger FDA, aims to ensure that sufficient resources are available for FDA to continue its mission while maintaining public confidence.

“A strong FDA is vital to maintaining the integrity of America’s food and beverage products, and allows our citizens to enjoy them with confidence,” said Susan Neely, ABA president and CEO.  “This new proposal is good for America, good for consumers and good for business.” 

Under the proposal championed by Sen. Kohl, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, and Ranking Member Sen. Bennett, the Agency would receive its most significant increase to date, totaling $186 million to fund new food and drug safety programs.  Of the proposed budget, $48.4 million would go to strengthening food programs, while $33.2 million would fund drug safety measures as well as the Critical Path Initiative, which helps make cutting-edge drugs and devices available in the U.S. for those who need immediate life-saving treatments. 

“The FDA, with the allotment of these new resources, will be able to continue to make America a leader in the global marketplace,” Neely said.  “It is critical that our federal agencies are provided with the best resources available to ensure the safety of all Americans.”

Recent concerns surrounding imported foods have highlighted the need for better regulation of our nation’s food supply.  As the market continues to expand to include a larger quantity of imports, it necessitates more inspectors to insure their safety.  Actions taken by the subcommittee today will help to hire 90 additional inspectors, which is a notable increase and a good start towards safer consumer goods. 

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The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States.

The Coalition for a Stronger FDA is a diverse group of non-profit organizations, consumer advocates, patient groups, public health professionals and innovative companies committed to the safety of the American people through the continued strengthening of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.   

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