The coffee industry is facing food safety legislation in Washington that could have a devastating impact. NCA supports a scientific based approach to improving the food safety system, but is actively opposing attempts to modify a Senate bill in a manner that would require traceability back to the first intermediary after the farm and record keeping back to the farm.

Yesterday, in its ongoing attempt to ensure the passage of a Senate bill void of onerous provisions that provide no corresponding public heath benefit and that could interrupt the importation of the majority of coffee imported into the US, NCA met with representatives of the Senate Health Education Labor and Pension Committee (HELP) and other key Senate offices to review changes made to Senate Bill S. 510 since the markup of the HELP Committee in November 2009. It is expected that this bill will be considered on the floor of the Senate next week.

Although final traceability and record keeping requirements for coffee are still being negotiated by a bipartisan group, NCA has been informed that its concerns have been heard by those negotiators and that the final amendment will take into account the unique aspects of the coffee supply chain. Regardless, NCA will continue to push for appropriate amendment language until the final amendment is released. The Association will also continue to vigorously represent the coffee industry as this bill and a more onerous House bill move through a conference committee, which would be the next step after Senate passage.

NCA will provide the NCA membership with updates on food safety legislation as it moves through the final steps of the legislative process. NCA members will also receive an analysis of the final bill's impact on the coffee supply chain.

The coffee industry’s future economic health and well-being depends on the active participation of all in the industry. When you get involved in the industry through the NCA, you become an effective part of the industry’s expansion, our solutions to pressing issues and our infinite success as one of the most consumed beverages in history. For more information on NCA membership, click here.

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