WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Bakers Association (ABA) praises congressional leaders for language in the government spending package, providing much-needed clarity for bakers and the broader food industry.
“We are grateful that Congress is working to clear up industry and consumer confusion over the updated Nutrition Facts Label, specifically on fiber and sodium,” said ABA President and CEO Robb MacKie. “ABA also applauds the correction of the ‘grain glitch’ in the recently passed tax bill that inadvertently could have caused significant disruption in the supply chain.”
ABA worked with its congressional allies to ensure the inclusion of language in the spending package directing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to correct the previous Administration’s ill-considered changes to what is considered dietary fiber. This action, and FDA’s ongoing intransigence have led to widespread confusion in the baking and food industry. Emerging research is pointing to even greater health benefits of fiber-rich diets than previously recognized.
“Bakers are eager to make the appropriate changes necessary to keep consumers informed. Unfortunately, many are left in a quandary while waiting to see if their current fiber sources will be accepted for continued use with no clear deadline for compliance,” said ABA Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs Lee Sanders.
In addition, bakers were successful in persuading Congress to limit changes to sodium policy until proper scientific studies are conducted, allowing additional time for bakers to weigh in on FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Intentional Adulteration proposals, and ensuring FDA develops proper policies to secure a company’s proprietary processes and information.
The package also includes language correcting section 199a of the recently passed tax law that inadvertently distorted grain markets. ABA worked with the National Grain and Feed Association and other farm groups to push for solutions that could impact the cost of important ingredients needed to produce fresh baked goods for American families.
“We commend the steadfast bipartisan, and bicameral, leadership to swiftly correct the ‘grain glitch,’” added MacKie. “Fixing section 199 restores the level playing field in the commodity markets.”
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About the American Bakers Association:
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the Washington D.C.-based voice of the wholesale baking industry. Since 1897, ABA has represented the interests of bakers before the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory authorities. ABA advocates on behalf of more than 1,000 baking facilities and baking company suppliers. ABA members produce bread, rolls, cookies, crackers, bagels, sweet goods, tortillas and many other wholesome, nutritious, baked products for America’s families. The baking industry generates more than $153 billion in economic activity annually and employs more than 799,500 highly skilled people. Follow ABA with #AmericanBakers
Source: American Bakers Association
