The purpose of the Act is to provide a national uniform standard for direct food additives and warning labels of FDA-regulated products. Under the current system, food regulation is composed of a variety of different, and sometimes inconsistent requirements. The bill seeks to harmonize those differences to achieve national uniformity. The federal measure would preempt state laws, except in cases where states seek to have their requirements adopted by the federal agency. The measure allows states to petition the FDA to include their guidelines in the national uniformity system. The bill does not preempt the authority of states to respond to an imminent hazard, nor does it affect the ability of states or local governments to inspect food, inspect restaurants, or require labels related to freshness dating, open date labeling, grade labeling, state inspection stamp, religious dietary labeling, organic or natural designation, returnable bottle labeling, unit pricing, and statement of geographic origin.

 

National uniformity is not a new concept - Congress has repeatedly recognized the importance of uniformity in food regulation. The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (1990), the Food Quality Protection Act (1996), the Poultry Products Inspection Act and the Meat Inspection Act all contain uniformity provisions.