More than 60 food industry groups have signed a letter urging Congress not to fund federal food safety programs with new taxes or fees.

According to the letter, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has proposed new fees to pay for food safety inspections every year since 2011. Congress rejected every proposal, and the groups say it should continue to do so.

The groups still are asking for adequate funding of FDA, they just don't believe it should come from new fees or taxes. Such a move would have "crippling economic effects."

"Food safety is the highest priority for America's food and beverage makers," American Frozen Food Institute CEO Kraig Naasz said. "As the administration begins to craft the fiscal year 2017 budget, we stand ready to work with federal agencies and Congress to ensure sufficient federal resources are allocated to FDA's critical food safety activities without increasing costs for consumers and food makers."

Other signatories include the American Bakers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, Corn Refiners Association, Food Marketing Institute and Global Cold Chain Alliance. http://bit.ly/1hI7dCn

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