Asian Business Provision Passes House

Asian Business Provision Passes House

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard and Congressman Adam Schiff call for improvements in inspection practices

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Several Asian business owners reported problems at California ports after their legal merchandise was held for inspection for prolonged periods of time. Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) and Congressman Adam Schiff (CA-29) met with FDA inspectors, explained the concerns of the business owners and called for improvements to inspection practices. As a result of these meetings the House of Representatives passed a provision that directs the FDA to work closely with and be more responsive to the concerns of ethnic food importers.

"Congresswoman Roybal-Allard and I are working together to protect small business owners and ensure the federal government treats importers fairly while protecting our nation's security," said Congressman Schiff.

"The need to quickly move imported ethnic foods is extremely important to my many Asian-American constituents, and I am pleased that the Appropriations Committee, on which I serve, has emphasized its importance to the Food and Drug Administration. I'll continue to work closely with FDA and my local businesses to resolve any bureaucratic problems that prevent safe and needed foods from reaching the marketplace in a timely manner," Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard said.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ca34_roybal-allard/pr051104.html