1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I’m writing today to express my alarm about the food industry's efforts to undermine crucial food safety laws across our nation. As your constituent, I urge you to stand firm against these attempts and protect the health and well-being of the American people. Currently, there is a wave of food safety bills being introduced across the country, as a side effect of the whole Make America Healthy campaigns. However, the food industry is employing tactics reminiscent of Big Tobacco to block useful safety measures. They have created front groups like 'Americans for Ingredient Transparency' (AFIT) to push for federal laws that would override tougher state-level food safety regulations. This is a clear attempt to prioritize profits over public health, and shield the big food processors from lawsuits. The industry's actions are particularly concerning given the current low levels of public trust in the FDA, which itself has had much of its inspection authority hobbled by the current administration. A staggering 69% of Americans believe that foods containing pesticides or artificial dyes are unsafe, even when FDA-approved. By ignoring consumer demands for safer food, the industry risks further eroding this trust. I ask you to take a stand against these deceptive industry tactics. Please support and strengthen food safety laws that protect consumers from potentially harmful ingredients. In addition, reject any federal legislation that would weaken state-level food safety measures, and diminish the operative food inspection and approval process at the FDA. Our health and the integrity of our food system depend on your action. The food on our plates should not be a source of anxiety. Thank you.