The FDA Globalization Act of 2009 HR 759 will be released to the public today Jan 30, 2009

Click here to read or download a copy of HR 759, the FDA Globalization Act of 2009

The FDA Globalization Act of 2008, which died in committee in December was expected to be introduced this year modified and it's here, much earlier than expected. On Tuesday I called Rep. Janet Schakowsky's office because it had been reported earlier that she might be the one to reintroduce the bill. Her rep said it was "unclear" at this time if she would. Well, the next day, in true DC confabulation, it was introduced by Rep. Charles Dingell (DemMI) (the original author of the 2008 bill) and Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (DemNJ) as the FDA Globalization Act of 2009 HR 759.

Until the bill is released on the internet today for close examination, a cursory look indicates that they may have backed off on the high fees and registration hurdles (more fees) that they were aiming at us, the little guys of the cosmetics industry. This is what is gleaned from the press release, but I'm holding off until I read the entire bill.

However, in light of the recent peanut butter salmonella scandal, the timing is perfect for a real crackdown on the food industry. Diana Kaye of Terressentials and I recently gathered a number of volunteers and we're working to put together a campaign on the onerous, business-busting fees that are expected. A minimum fee of $10,000 is targeted at anyone who makes food - that includes the artisan bread makers, cheese makers, jam and jelly folks who sell at Farmers Markets and via tiny shops and the internet.

Even if we in the cosmetics industry are off the hook, we'll going forward with our team to work with the foodie industry artisans because as the old saying goes: United we stand, divided we fall.

So our guard is *not* down - I'll keep everyone posted, and I encourage you to follow me on Facebook and also Twitter.