Those who were at the AFI Town Meeting know the gravity of the situation facing the food import industry. They also know AFI is leading import industry efforts to try to keep whatever is implemented workable.

Here’s a quick rundown on what’s happened to date. There’s Senate legislation dealing with food imports and there’s a newly introduced bill in the house targeting food imports. Several committees within the House have held hearings recently to discuss this issue. A cabinet-level panel created in July by the president has issued a preliminary report and is expected to release a final report in November. That panel held a hearing yesterday. AFI was one of only two import groups that spoke at the hearing. That’s one reason this September update is being sent on October 2. It’s important member realize no one else is speaking up.

While all this activity was taking place, the Grocery Manufacturers Association/Food Products Association released a proposed program referred to as the Four Pillars that calls for, among other things, mandatory quality control programs for all importers of record.

That means AFI is forced to fight two battles; one against members of Congress and one against another segment of the industry, one that many members sell to. Both scenarios are tricky and extreme caution is being used to ensure AFI comes across as an entity committed to effective measures to improve food safety.

As a reminder, here are some of the provisions of the bill introduced in the House by John Dingell:

• Substantial “per-line-item” import inspection fees
• A requirement of FDA certification that the food importer has demonstrated that each item of food was produced under standards that meet or exceed U.S. standards
• A requirement for inspection of foreign establishments and certification of those establishments.
• Authority to suspend the ability of a food establishment to operate; civil penalties of $10,000 per violation.

The 2008 AFI Convention will be held March 27-30 at the Hilton Clearwater Beach in Clearwater Beach, Fla. Look for convention details soon.

The petition filed by the Thai Food Processors’ Association for a changed circumstances review of the antidumping duty order on canned pineapple from Thailand was denied because Maui Pineapple said it will be doing limited production of canned pineapple through the end of the year. From what we understand, the group intends to file another petition in January.

Those attending ANUGA are encouraged to make plans to attend AFI’s ANUGA Reception. The reception will take place at 6 p.m., Sunday, October 14 in the convention center where ANUGA is held. There is no fee to attend the reception and members are encouraged to bring guests. Details, including a registration form, sponsorship information and details on advertising in the event’s program, are available at www.afius.org.