Washington, DC - United Fresh Produce Association President Tom Stenzel issued the following statement today regarding the Safe Food Enforcement, Assessment, Standards and Targeting Act (Safe FEAST Act), a new bipartisan food safety bill introduced in the House of Representatives today by Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) and Rep. Adam Putman (R-FL).

“We congratulate Congressmen Costa and Putman on their leadership in introducing the Safe FEAST Act of 2008. There are a number of provisions in this bipartisan bill that can work to enhance a strong food safety regulatory framework that builds public confidence in fresh produce. We look forward to working with Congressmen Costa and Putman on the details of their bill, as well as other Congressional leaders in both the House and Senate.

“Fresh produce is an essential part of the diet to improve public health, with the federal government’s own 2005 Dietary Guidelines calling for consumption of 9-13 servings per day for fruits and vegetables. That’s almost double current consumption for most consumers, and has led to the public health campaign Fruits and Veggies: More Matters led by the Centers for Disease Control and the Produce for Better Health Foundation.

“To meet these health goals, the public must have confidence that the federal government, states, produce companies and growers are working together across the total produce industry to assure the safest possible foods. Our industry is committed to employing best agricultural and handling practices for both domestically grown and imported foods, and looks forward to continuing to work with Congress, the Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the states to ensure that we provide the safest and most healthy, nutritious produce possible to American consumers.”