United Fresh President Tom Stenzel testified Wednesday before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health, as part of a hearing to address reforms in our nation’s food safety laws. The hearing, entitled "How Do We Fix Our Ailing Food Safety System?" also included representatives from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Alliance for a Stronger FDA, National Center for Food Safety and Technology and Chiquita Brands/Fresh Express.

"This was an important opportunity for the produce industry to be heard on what is a critical priority," said Stenzel.  "The decisions made on Capitol Hill in the near future will shape the way the entire fresh produce supply chain does business.  It is imperative that our industry has a strong voice in these deliberations."  Since 2006, United Fresh has testified at eight Congressional hearings regarding federal food safety oversight and legislative reforms to our nation's food safety laws.

In his testimony before the Subcommittee, Stenzel underscored the produce industry's long-time commitment in addressing and improving food safety practices, as well as the overwhelming health benefits of consuming fresh fruits and vegetables.  Stenzel also highlighted specific food safety policy recommendations that have broad support across the industry.  Finally, while much of the focus of the hearing centered on preventive controls, Stenzel discussed important recommendations regarding how state and federal governments should manage actual outbreaks when they occur.