The National Restaurant Association today praised U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (D-CA) and Adam Putnam (R-FL) for introduction of the bipartisan Safe Food Enforcement, Assessment, Standards and Targeting (FEAST) Act. The bill is intended to protect the food supply, instill consumer confidence, and identify and prevent potential sources of food-borne illness.

"We are grateful to Representatives Costa and Putnam for their bipartisan leadership and introduction of the Safe FEAST Act," said National Restaurant Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs Beth Johnson. "Food safety is the top priority of the restaurant industry. The National Restaurant Association strongly supports efforts to create a stronger and more effective food safety system."

This week, the National Restaurant Association also commended U.S. Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), Judd Gregg (R-NH), Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Richard Burr (R-NC) for introduction of the bipartisan FDA Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009.

The National Restaurant Association continues to be actively involved in the food safety debate as the issue moves forward in the 111th Congress. The Association will continue to provide leadership that stresses continuous improvement in food safety at the state, federal, and international levels.