National Uniformity for Food Act passes in the House

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed HR 4167, The National Uniformity for Food Act, which amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The legislation passed by 238-129 votes and included 100% support of the House Frozen Food Caucus.

The Act would require the U.S. FDA to provide national food safety standards and warning requirements. According to documents released by the Congressional Budget Office, implementation of H.R. 4167 would cost less than $500,000 in 2006 and approximately $100 million over the 2006-2011 period. Those costs would be incurred by the FDA.

The Act would preempt certain state laws governing food safety, the labeling of food products, and the issuance of warning notifications.