Proposed FDA Budget Cuts Would Hinder Food Safety Modernization Act Implementation

House Republicans are proposing FDA budget cuts that, according to food safety advocates, would undermine FDA’s ability to carry out the Food Safety Modernization Act’s (FSMA) provisions.

According to a Washington Post article, President Obama has asked for $995 million to be allocated to food safety in the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. The House Appropriations subcommittee that oversees FDA, however, scaled that number back $750 million — nearly $90 million less than FDA is currently getting for food safety.

“This subcommittee has begun making some of the tough choices necessary to right the ship,” said chairman Jack Kingston, (R-GA).

But, without the money, food safety advocates argue that FDA will be unable to meet and enforce many requirements of the FSMA, including more food manufacturing plant inspections and improved coordination with health departments. They also say it will threaten the agency’s ability to more quickly respond to and minimize foodborne illness outbreaks.

“Why pass (the legislation) if you’re going to turn around and cut FDA’s funding,” said Richard D. Saunders, deputy director of Virginia’s division of animal and food industry services. “FDA has never had enough funding to begin with.”

The food safety advocates also say the limited funding would hinder the agency’s ability to more carefully scrutinize food imports. Without the extra money, FDA will not be able to implement its system of third-party certifiers who would ensure food imports meet U.S. safety standards.

To read the full Washington Post story, click here.

Source: Washington Post