Speaking at the opening of World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) said that it has raised concerns over some of the provisions in the Food Safety Enhancement Act that is before the Senate.

NPPC board member, Bob Dykhuis, said that the council has concerns over the provisions for mandatory recall and also the inclusion of civil penalties for food safety breaches.

These, he said, would do little to add to consumer confidence.

Mr Dykhuis said the NPPC is also opposing moves for a registration fee to be imposed on the industry.

"These should be funded through the general budget," he said.

He said the food safety bill has still to come before the senate, but the NPPC will be monitoring it.

He said the NPPC wants to see the preservation of antibiotics for medical treatment and it will also be monitoring the extension of Country of Origin Labelling (COOL) to a farm-to-fork process - included in Senate Bill 510.

Mr Dykhuis explained: "These are all expected to come into the act and this will add costs to the meat products," said Mr Dykhuis.

"Food safety should be across the board, without loopholes.

"It needs to be based on sound science and be risk-based. It should not bring undue costs or burdens on the industry."

He added that the NPPC will be monitoring the bill and working for a favourable outcome for farmers.