Product Tracing Systems for Food; Public Meeting

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) represents the world's leading food, beverage and consumer products companies. The Association promotes sound public policy, champions initiatives that increase productivity and growth, and helps ensure the safety and security of consumer packaged goods through scientific excellence. The GMA board of directors is comprised of chief executive officers from the Association's member companies. The $2.1 trillion food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry employs 14 million workers, and contributes over $1 trillion in added value to the nation's economy. GMA appreciates this opportunity to submit general and specific comments related to the FDA/ USDA request for comments regarding product tracing systems for foods. We have long been supportive of industry-driven practices and regulatory requirements that can enhance the oversight of the safety of products. Product tracing systems that include elements of industry practices and regulatory requirements play an important role in food safety.