GOP Targets Cuts in Food Safety, Nutrition Programs

WASHINGTONThe GOP majority on the House Appropriations Committee on May 31 approved the marked up version of the 2012 Agriculture Appropriations bill that cuts billions in federal funding for food safety and nutrition programs directed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The proposed reductions include $17.2 billion in discretionary fundinga cut of more than $2.6 billion from last years level or $5 billion below President Obamas budget request for the programs.

As reported by the Associated Press, the legislation questions a government proposal to curb marketing of unhealthy foods to children and urges FDA to limit rules requiring calorie counts be posted on menus. The revised legislation also would roadblock new nutritional standards that would require school breakfast and lunches to include more fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. The lawmakers said they could not justify the additional $7 billion it would cost over the next five years.

The legislation also would reduce the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program by 12 percent, roughly $832 million, and would reduce international food assistance programs by approximately 25 percent. The bill also would fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at $2 billion less than the president's request.