NRA backs Bush budget request for more FDA funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Restaurant Association (NRA) has announced that it supports the Bush Administration's request for additional funding for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). "President Bush has announced that he will include an additional $275 million for FDA in the fiscal year 2009 budget request. The funding will go towards expanding FDA and implementing the Action Plan on Import Safety and the complementary Food Protection Plan, which the Association strongly supports," said Dr. Donna Garren, vice president of Health and Safety Regulatory Affairs for the NRA. "We know that this request will be supported by many members of Congress of both parties who have advocated for additional resources, and we encourage Congress to act quickly on the budget proposal to strengthen FDA. The National Restaurant Association, on behalf of the foodservice industry, supports a stronger and more effective FDA. There is a need for a critical assessment of food safety oversight in the federal government that improves consistency, accountability and federal leadership with increased resources directed to protecting food safety." The NRA has been working with a bipartisan group of members of Congress, and with the Administration, to address industry concerns — particularly in light of the recent Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak.