There is currently legislation in the Senate for food safety reform. Bundled into this proposed legislation are various items including a potential ban of the chemical Bisphenol A in food and beverage containers. This chemical ban amendment was brought forward by Dem. Senator from California Dianne Feinstein. Perhaps the proposed amendment causing the most debate is one proposed by Senator Jon Testor Dem. from Montana. Testor’s amendment looks to limit the food safety regulation to businesses that do less than $500,000 gross income.
We all know that food safety does cost $$$, and that increased costs for any business makes it hard to be competitive. However, if everyone has to play by the same rules it should be a level playing field minus the economies of scale that larger companies enjoy. Food safety is an issue that everybody across the supply chain needs to place heavy importance on, no matter if you are a sole proprietor or CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Consumers want to know that their food supply is safe, and this requires the same rules and regulations across the entire industry.
If there is going to be any adjustment of the proposed rules it should be based on commodity. Research has shown that certain commodities are less likely to spread food bourne illness, and just the method that they are harvested makes them less susceptible.
I am interested to see how this works itself out. These two proposed amendments to the bill could delay the Senates decision when they reconvene in September. I will be following this issue closely.