NFPA takes exception to GAO findings on food recalls.(National Food Processors Association, General Accounting Office)(Brief Article)

A recent GAO report on recalls of potentially unsafe food understates the U.S. food industry's "excellent record of cooperation with the regulatory agencies on food safety matters," says National Food Processors Association (NFPA) Vice President Craig Henry. "While NFPA shares GAO's concern that potentially contaminated food be promptly removed from the marketplace, it is important to note that the current recall system has been highly effective in accomplishing this for decades," says Henry. He added that NFPA believes both USDA and FDA "already have all the power they need to assure that foods are recalled if necessary."

The GAO report concludes that weaknesses in…