Arlington, VA – The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) represents U.S. frozen fruit and vegetable processors as well as manufacturers who produce many other categories of frozen foods. Regardless of the Defense Production Act (DPA), worker safety is the first priority for the frozen food and beverage industry and our supply chain is rising to the challenge to feed Americans during this national emergency.
To reiterate, our essential workforce is our most important asset. This has been the case before the national emergency, now and will continue after the COVID-19 pandemic.
We applaud the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for heeding the call by the broader food and beverage industry to work collaboratively. We appreciate the collaborative spirit behind the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to help prevent prolonged interruptions at FDA-regulated food facilities, yet want to clarify that our industry is not seeking coverage under the DPA.
Our industry remains strong because we continue to incorporate strategies and guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and lessons learned as new resources and science are made available that further protects our essential workers.
As the leading association representing the U.S. frozen food industry, we are confident that our members will continue to provide Americans with the much-needed convenience, nutrition, and satisfaction they desire during this time.
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The American Frozen Food Institute is the member-driven national trade association that advances the interests of all segments of the frozen food and beverage industry. AFFI works to advance food safety and advocates before legislative and regulatory entities on the industry’s behalf to create an environment where members’ foods and beverages are proudly chosen to meet the needs of a changing world.
