NCL statement in support of increased FDA funding – National Consumers League

November 15, 2011

Contact: NCL Communications, (202) 835-3323, media@nclnet.org

Washington, DC—Sally Greenberg, Executive Director of the National Consumers League, issued the following statement today in support of the decision made by House and Senate conferees to increase funding for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“The National Consumers League supports the decision made by conferees to increase FDA funding by $50 million from FY 2011 levels. This increase in funds will ensure that the FDA can fulfill its vital public health role of ensuring that American consumers have access to safe food and medication.

“For decades the FDA has been underfunded and, with the development of an increasingly global market, its responsibilities increase every year. The passage of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) earlier this year gives the agency increased authority to take steps to ensure the safety of the American food supply. In order to carry out these new measures, however, the FDA must receive adequate funding. The National Consumers League applauds the conferees for approving an increase of $39 million for the implementation of FSMA, much needed funds which will allow FDA to make the American food supply even more secure.

The National Consumers League commends the conferees for their support of the FDA and urges the House of Representatives to approve the numbers put forth by the conferees. Without adequate funding FDA will not be able to completely fulfill its responsibility to keep American consumers safe from foodborne illness.”

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About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.