The Cost of Food Safety

Did you know that the U.S. economy loses $44 billion each year because of foodborne illnesses? While food safety isn't free and ultimately makes our food prices higher, what's the cost of not keeping our food supply safe? Of course the biggest costs can't be measured only in dollars, it's also the suffering and deaths that stem from foodborne illnesses.

With a new FDA chief, Dr. Margaret Hamburg, and increased focus on food safety, it looks like regulations are getting stricter and there will be additional fees. Just yesterday, it was announced that pending legislation includes requirements that all food manufacturers write and carry out safety plans, pay an annual registration fee of $1,000 to the F.D.A. and keep track of the distribution of all food products. The F.D.A. would be required to inspect every food facility in the country at least once every four years, with high-risk ones being inspected every 18 months. Supporters of the bill state that the fees are necessary to save the food industry from expensive recalls. However, even with the increased fees, Dr. Hamburg claims this will not be enough to implement the goals of the legislation.

On the other side of the fence, Pamela G. Bailey, president of the Grocery Manufacturers Association, told the committee that the industry was concerned about the size of the proposed fees and their possible effect on the credibility of the F.D.A. “Our industry is ultimately responsible for the safety of its products,” Ms. Bailey said in a written statement, “but securing the safety of the food supply is a government function which should be largely financed with government resources.”

It will be interesting to see how this battle plays out and what legislation will actually be passed and implemented affecting not only food manufacturers, but affecting all consumers. For more information on the pending legislation, please visit: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/04/health/policy/04fda.html?ref=global-home

For more information on how Idaho Technology can help food manufacturers ensure the safety of their products, please visit us at: http://www.idahotech.com/FoodSecurity/