As tomato investigation lingers, PMA calls for more FDA funding
As tomato investigation lingers, PMA calls for more FDA funding
NEWARK, DE -- The Produce Marketing Association announced June 12 its support for a Bush administration proposal to increase U.S. Food & Drug Administration funding to strengthen the agency's food safety capabilities.
PMA voiced its support in response to Health & Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt's announcement earlier in the week that the administration was seeking to amend the fiscal-year 2009 budget for FDA to add an additional $275 million. The money would be used to fund what FDA has described as a "fundamental change in strategy currently underway" to help the agency adapt to the demands of the rapidly growing and changing global economy.
"The devastating effect that the ongoing traceback investigation of fresh tomatoes is having on consumer confidence, the tomato industry and the people who rely on it for their livelihoods is all the illustration we need that FDA needs more funding to speed its important work," PMA President Bryan Silbermann said in a statement. "Simply put, FDA must have more resources, expertise and knowledge if it is to better fulfill its mission to protect public health in a way that also minimizes the market side effects."
For the past 11 days, PMA, its tomato industry members and other allies have been working together to try to help FDA identify the source of a multi-state Salmonella saintpaul foodborne illness outbreak linked to red round and Roma/plum tomatoes. While the agency has been able to exclude many other types of tomatoes from concern, and has ruled out some Florida counties and 30 other states or countries as the source, some retailers and foodservice operators have nonetheless pulled all tomatoes from their shelves and menus. This has put at risk the livelihoods of affected members of this $2.2 billion industry.
"We think we have been able to help things along this time, and we do appreciate the agency's efforts at cooperation and communication," Mr. Silbermann said. "But there is certainly room for improvement. We look forward to sitting down with FDA to discuss those opportunities, and are very willing to do our part for the future."
In related news, PMA and other groups called on retail and foodservice buyers to put cleared tomatoes back on their shelves and menus. PMA joined Alliance for Food & Farming, California tomato farmers, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Florida Tomato Committee, United Fresh Produce Association and Western Growers Association in the buyer appeal.
"Our thoughts and prayers have been with the people who were sickened by this ordeal," the co-signers wrote. "FDA and CDC's very thorough epidemiological and traceback investigations have now definitively ruled out round red and Roma/plum tomatoes from most production areas, and all other types of tomatoes regardless of source. & Getting tomatoes back in our retail stores and on the menus is the most important step we can all take to restore consumer confidence."
Citing the high price that has already been paid by those cleared, the co- signers continued, "They shouldn't be needlessly punished any further while the investigation is completed."
PMA voiced its support in response to Health & Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt's announcement earlier in the week that the administration was seeking to amend the fiscal-year 2009 budget for FDA to add an additional $275 million. The money would be used to fund what FDA has described as a "fundamental change in strategy currently underway" to help the agency adapt to the demands of the rapidly growing and changing global economy.
"The devastating effect that the ongoing traceback investigation of fresh tomatoes is having on consumer confidence, the tomato industry and the people who rely on it for their livelihoods is all the illustration we need that FDA needs more funding to speed its important work," PMA President Bryan Silbermann said in a statement. "Simply put, FDA must have more resources, expertise and knowledge if it is to better fulfill its mission to protect public health in a way that also minimizes the market side effects."
For the past 11 days, PMA, its tomato industry members and other allies have been working together to try to help FDA identify the source of a multi-state Salmonella saintpaul foodborne illness outbreak linked to red round and Roma/plum tomatoes. While the agency has been able to exclude many other types of tomatoes from concern, and has ruled out some Florida counties and 30 other states or countries as the source, some retailers and foodservice operators have nonetheless pulled all tomatoes from their shelves and menus. This has put at risk the livelihoods of affected members of this $2.2 billion industry.
"We think we have been able to help things along this time, and we do appreciate the agency's efforts at cooperation and communication," Mr. Silbermann said. "But there is certainly room for improvement. We look forward to sitting down with FDA to discuss those opportunities, and are very willing to do our part for the future."
In related news, PMA and other groups called on retail and foodservice buyers to put cleared tomatoes back on their shelves and menus. PMA joined Alliance for Food & Farming, California tomato farmers, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Florida Tomato Committee, United Fresh Produce Association and Western Growers Association in the buyer appeal.
"Our thoughts and prayers have been with the people who were sickened by this ordeal," the co-signers wrote. "FDA and CDC's very thorough epidemiological and traceback investigations have now definitively ruled out round red and Roma/plum tomatoes from most production areas, and all other types of tomatoes regardless of source. & Getting tomatoes back in our retail stores and on the menus is the most important step we can all take to restore consumer confidence."
Citing the high price that has already been paid by those cleared, the co- signers continued, "They shouldn't be needlessly punished any further while the investigation is completed."
