The National Uniformity for Food Act of 2005 (HR 4167) is quite similar to other legislation that has been offered in the House every year since 1998, said AHPA in a release. The herbals trade association has supported it in the past.
There are now 226 co-sponsors for the pending legislation, which exceeds half of the House. This suggests that there are sufficient votes to assure passage, according to AHPA.
"The most effective means for assuring uniform national labeling of herbal products is through science-based federal labeling regulation, developed in cooperation with knowledgeable industry representatives and other stakeholders," said AHPA president Michael McGuffin.
"We will communicate our support for this bill to our contacts in the House and will also work to see that it is introduced in the Senate, and to encourage other industry organizations to support this legislation."
The National Uniformity for Food Act would allow a state to petition for an exemption or for the establishment of a national standard regarding any requirement under federal laws relating to food regulation.
The bill would also allow a state to establish a state-specific requirement if needed to address an imminent hazard to health that is likely to result in serious adverse health, and would continue to allow state and local laws relating to labeling or a consumer advisory relating to food sanitation imposed on a food establishment.
Any state laws that conflict with this legislation and that are in effect on the date on which this federal law is passed would remain in effect for 180 days.
The text of HR 4167 can be found here