As the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) commits to enhancing its approach to regulating chemical food safety, it is critical for stakeholders to discuss and explore the current and future framework for post-market review. At the 2024 Food Safety Forum, the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) convened experts in food safety, the legal community, regulators and public health advocates to share their perspectives and help inform a potential framework.
Taking place virtually on September 17, the Food Safety Forum provided a venue for a moderated discussion on FDA’s current regulatory approach and responsibility in providing safety assurances, the roles of individual states, and a path forward that allows for innovation and is protective of public health.
FDA has accelerated its regulatory actions within the chemical food space over the past year and is holding a meeting on September 25 to share a proposed enhanced systematic process for post-market assessment and hear stakeholder perspectives. This modernized approach is intended to ensure the safety of both novel and existing food additives.
"The food industry remains steadfast in its commitment to safety. That’s why AFFI supports a science- and risk-based approach to reaffirm the ingredients that add to the safety, flavor, texture and shelf-life of foods,” said Dr. Donna Garren, AFFI’s Executive Vice President of Science and Policy. “The Food Safety Forum provided a unique opportunity for stakeholders to engage in open and transparent discussions about the challenges and opportunities in chemical food safety. Most importantly, it was a space to explore solutions that promote both innovation and public health protection."
Throughout the two-hour event, panelists and speakers offered diverse perspectives on several key topics, including:
• FDA’s evolving post-market chemical review process and how it aims to ensure the ongoing safety of food ingredients.
• The current landscape of various state-level food additive bans that challenge federal safety assessments and regulations.
• Practical implications for food manufacturers.
Discussions also emphasized the importance of an effective and streamlined federal reassessment process to reduce regulatory fragmentation, as proposed by FDA. To ensure that this function is properly executed, the FDA will need additional resources to efficiently implement the necessary regulatory framework. A well-funded, science-based federal approach is key to confirming a safe food supply and providing needed regulatory predictability.
“AFFI is proud to foster a conversation around solutions to ensuring confidence in the future of chemical food safety. We call on policymakers to support a fully funded federal approach that enables the FDA to carry out an efficient and effective post-market chemical review process. This will both protect public health and provide the certainty needed for innovation and growth within the food industry.”
The full agenda and speakers can be found online.
About AFFI
The American Frozen Food Institute is the member-driven national trade association representing all segments of the frozen food supply chain from manufacturers to suppliers and distributors. AFFI advocates before legislative and regulatory entities on the industry’s behalf, serves as the voice for the industry and convenes industry leadership to create an environment where frozen foods are essential in a dynamic marketplace.
