FMI Looks Forward to working with FDA on its Comprehensive Plan, “Closer to Zero”

ARLINGTON, VA - FMI - The Food Industry Association today released the following statement from Chief Food and Product Safety Officer Hilary Thesmar, PhD, RD, CFS, regarding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) release of a comprehensive plan to outline how the agency will approach heavy metal action levels in baby food. Dr. Thesmar said:

'As the food industry association, FMI believes FDA should maintain its authority on food safety standards and action levels when it comes to heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium in food for babies and toddlers. We agree the federal standards regarding these elements in baby food should be evaluated by FDA and guided by science, and we urge for speed in the agency's process to support consumer trust through a process that is transparent and engages stakeholders.

'FMI is proactively working through both the legislative and regulatory processes, working closely with its member companies that manufacture and sell food items for babies and toddlers.

'Food safety is the number-one priority for the food industry, and the companies we represent at FMI remain dedicated to delivering safe, nutritious and affordable food. The safety and health of customers are paramount to retailers who provide essential items daily. Shoppers tell us they continue to see food safety as a collective responsibility involving policy makers, farming and manufacturing, retailers, and the shoppers themselves.'

Learn more in FMI's Backgrounder on heavy metals in baby food.