US: CHEP praises passage of FDA Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010

CHEP has lauded the U.S. Senate for the passage of S. 510, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010. According to a release, the bill will now be sent to the U.S. House for review and approval, before being signed into law. "The legislation that passed out of the Senate yesterday will help strengthen oversight of food safety and maintain public confidence in our food supply," said Jim Ritchie, Group President, CHEP Americas. "The food industry and the consuming public will benefit from this important legislation, and CHEP applauds its passage." The Food Safety Act of 2010, co-authored by Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Mike Enzi (R-WY), and supported by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Judd Gregg (R-NH), Chris Dodd (D-CT), and Richard Burr (R-NC) passed by a vote of 73 to 25. The bill increases the accountability of food facility owners and operators for a wide range of food safety measures, and expands FDA oversight authority and enforcement resources.
Throughout its history, CHEP has led efforts to raise standards of quality, cleanliness and environmental performance throughout the pallet industry, and works closely with the food industry to ensure the safe use of pallets in food transportation. "We are extremely proud of our track record over the past 20 years of developing and communicating about safe handling processes," said Ritchie. "The Food Safety Act of 2010 - which received broad support throughout the food industry and among food trade associations such as the Grocery Manufacturers of America - represents an important step forward for food safety," said Ritchie. "Due to our long-term investments in pallet safety and product stewardship, we are especially well positioned and aligned with the food industry as this legislation is implemented." CHEP is a global provider of pallet and container pooling services, serving many of the world's largest companies.