Food industry execs approach Obama era with cautious optimism

Foodnavigator.com sat down with three executives in the food production industry to discuss their concerns about their industry under the presidency of Barak Obama. Besides expressing concern about a continued spiraling of corn prices under his proposals for more energy independence, the execs are optimistic about other possible changes in regulations.

Obama expected to bring changes to FDA

Following two years of laissez-faire management, President-elect Barak Obama and the Democratic-dominated Congress are expected to significantly increase the Food and Drug Administration’s role in monitoring food and drug imports.

Seafoodsource.com reported Friday that the beleaguered agency may receive increased authority and oversight through efforts by Senate Democrats. The FDA has faced severe criticism from consumer groups for its lax handling of several food contamination incidents over the past couple of years, including poor responses to salmonella tainted spinach from California two years ago and a completely disorganized effort to track down the source of E.coli contaminated jalapeño peppers earlier this year.

Obama is also being encouraged to appoint a new commissioner to the agency; supposedly, more than half a dozen people are under consideration for the position. To read the full story, click here.