For Immediate Release:
June 13, 2001
For more information: 202/332-9110
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Consumer Group Commends Congressional Call For New Fda Regulations On Preventing Undeclared Food Allergens
WASHINGTON - Michael F. Jacobson, Executive Director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest
(CSPI), today commended the adoption by the House Committee on Appropriations of an amendment
encouraging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to promulgate regulations to prevent cross-contamination of foods by undeclared allergens. The Committee adopted the amendment, offered by
Representative Nita M. Lowey (D-NY), during its consideration on June 13 of the FY 2002
appropriations bill for the Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration.
The Committees decision shows there is bipartisan concern over the FDAs failure to take any
action on a petition filed thirteen months ago by the Attorneys General of nine states asking the FDA to
issue new regulations. Undeclared food allergens are too serious a public health matter for consumers
to rely merely on voluntary industry guidelines, said Jacobson.
Loweys amendment also requires the FDA to report to the Committee by December 31, 2001
on its plans for preventing cross-contamination of foods by undeclared allergens.
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