Western Growers is joining the newly launched FDA Foods Coalition, which is made up of consumer advocates, food industry representatives, public health groups and associations supporting state and local regulators. Together the contributing parties will educate policymakers, media and the public about improving the governance of the FDA Human Foods Program.

“Industry needs a strong, unified, and modernized FDA to facilitate innovation, growth, and the production of safe, nutritious foods that are accessible and affordable for all consumers,” said Roberta Wagner, senior vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs at the International Dairy Foods Association and co-chair of the FDA Foods Coalition. “The coalition will continue to advocate that FDA shift away from its traditional reactionary model to a modernized, prevention-oriented oversight model that aligns with industry’s immense efforts to ensure continual improvement and prevent problems from occurring, as exemplified by industry’s ongoing implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Industry values FDA’s oversight role in assuring companies produce safe food every day for American consumers, and we look forward to supporting the agency’s Human Foods Program through this coalition.”

Along with Western Growers, the Coalition includes Consumer Reports, International Dairy Foods Association, American Frozen Food Institute, Association of Food and Drug Officials, Center for Science in the Public Interest, Consumer Brands Association, Consumer Federation of America, Environmental Defense Fund, Environmental Working Group, International Fresh Produce Association, Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association and STOP Foodborne Illness. The Coalition will continue its outreach to other stakeholders that align with this mission.

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